The gang doing their early morning workout in the gym, prior to the COVID Lock-downs
Pre-COVID workouts each morning at the Mollymook Surf Club Gym
Each morning during the pre-covid times, some of the ocean swimmers met early morning to workout in the Mollymook Surf Club Gym prior to their 6.45am ocean swimming. Each had their own routine to follow which was generally interrupted by some banter. Kelly was our inspiration, usually arriving around 5.30am, well before the older men.
(Click on images to enlarge)
Kelly always set a very high standard.
The boy’s were occasionally rewarded by Kelly with some freshly baked muffins
NatBod Showdown: NSW South Coast Body Building Championships
It was September 2019. After such solid workouts throughout the year in the Surf Club Gym, Kelly was primed for competition and entered the South Coast Body Building Championships. Unfortunately all the men picture above, one by one failed to nominate. Perhaps they were a little afraid of stripping down to meagre under wear, showing off their masculine bodies, with fake tan and oil ? You will have to ask them! Grant; why didn’t you compete in the Body Building Championships? Don; Why didn’t you compete? The end result; Kelly became Mollymook Surf Clubs only participant!
Not perturbed by the men failing to enter the competition, the big day had finally arrived. Kelly arose early that morning and posted on Instagram for the benefit of her legion of followers: “I am so blessed to have travelled this journey being coached by the best, with so much support and love from family and friends. Now to get on that stage and own it!! Do my absolute best. No matter the outcome, getting to this level is more than I could ever ask for”
The young photographer was there to capture the action, every stylish movement and portrait throughout this momentous occasion.
At the end of a full day of competition, the judges took to the stage to announce the results. Kelly was awarded 3rd place in the Open female and 2nd place in the Rookie female category.
Later that evening when the excitement in her was beginning to calm down, Kelly again went to her Instagram account to update her many followers. She wrote: “What a weekend!! Proving you can achieve the unthinkable when you put forward your mindset, motivation, determination, discipline and have an inspiring coach. .. So many people to thank; To the many people who came and watched me on stage. Thank you 😀
Kelly: WOW!
Kelly: Awarded 3rd place in the Open & 2nd place in the rookie category
August 2021 NSW State-wide ‘Lock-down’ is announced.
The Mollymook Surf Club announced: ** URGENT COVID-19 UPDATE **
Lock-down blues: Glynis and Tracy, outside the surf club gym on the footpath
Lock-down blues: Cheryl, outside the surf club gym on the footpath
Lock-down blues: Cheryl, road running for extra exercise
Lock-down blues: No gym, Don does bike riding for exercise. (Yes this is the same Don who failed to compete in the Body Building competition)
Lockdown blues: Two of our elderly frail swimmers at the sea pool this morning. I won’t mention their names. (Initials were J and R)
THE LOCKDOWN BLUES
Poem by Dr Sues
|
So, it’s come again, like déjà vues We’re back in iso, with the lockdown blues
We watched in horror as Sydney shutdown and Delta spread throughout the town
We hoped and prayed with all our might that we would not have the same plight
The Delta strain began to creep throughout the state it began to seep
“We’ll be okay” we bravely said ‘cause we live in Paradise, so we’re ahead
Swimming in twos, or, ahem, threes we escaped to the freedom of the clear blue seas
Our resilience is strong, we band together We’re down at the beach whatever the weather
A daily swim and some sneaky coffees We need each other, ‘cause we’re all big softies!
But it has been hard, to not see grandies, separated so long from friends and families
We miss our freedom and our loved ones But we have each other – our ocean chums
And dear Kenny Banks, what a guy Keeping us connected and our spirits high
With his regular photos, updates and jokes He really is one of Molly’s top blokes!
So let’s raise a glass to Ken and his news Helping us get through these Lockdown Blues!! |
Ken B., Mollymook Beach Waterfront: Editor for Mollymook News, Destination Mollymook Milton Ulladulla and Mollymook Ocean Swimmers