Yesterday was Leap Day. The 29th of February, the day that comes around once every four years. Officially the last day of summer in Australia. It was just over four years ago that I first saw this place. It impressed me then and still impresses me now.

Four years ago it was Dani’s first school swimming carnival (or as I would call it “gala”). I wrote about it then – click here for that one. Hard to believe that was four years ago…

This week we were back at the Drummoyne Swimming Centre (aka Drummoyne Olympic Pool). It was his 4th such swimming carnival (he and most of the kids missed one during that covid crap). This was the first time that the weather held out all day. And it was hot! Very warm and zero breeze. 

This year Dani’s school year is the lead primary year and it was their turn to swim alongside the Year 1 kids doing their first swimming carnival. That is always great to see. It’s also funny too. 

This year Dani didn’t do much better in freestyle or backstroke (finishing positions at least) but he did win his breaststroke heat. But he was very level-headed about it. He knew “it was a weak heat” – his own words. But I checked the times that he swam and he has improved. That’s the main thing. Concentrate on technique and the rest will follow. He is still one of the smallest. When he puts on a growth spurt and puts on a bit of muscle, having the technique will turn into faster times. 

One big difference this year. The pool now charges parents an entry fee. It’s a first. It was only about $5 but it’s the principle really. Not a good sign. Perhaps another (local) government funded facility that is not quite getting the funding it needs? Who knows? If you do know then please let us all know and leave a comment. It seems now, in Sydney (and Australia in general), that just about everyone and every company, business or authority is increasing costs and passing them on to us consumers. Not good.