The GT Aquatics member powered through the 100m freestyle event in a sizzling 52.55 seconds.

It broke the mark set by Riley Schmidt of 53.83 in 2006.

Schmidt was an outstanding O and M swimmer, so the performance by Coates highlights his talent.

It was one of 14 records broken during the association's championships at WAVES in Wodonga.

"We had 247 swimmers and all 15 clubs were represented," president Brendon Shiels said.

"We had 1524 splashes (individual entries), so it was a big event, which we had to put back due to the Victorian lockdown a fortnight ago."

Albury Swimming Club's Mackensey House claimed the women's 100m in just over a minute (1:01.89).

Albury-Wodonga boasts five of the clubs in the O and M, including Wodonga Amateur and Albury North Lavington, while the rest are from outside the twin cities, including Corryong, Corowa, Myrtleford and two from Wangaratta, including the Stingrays.

"We had a really good event, I know at least one of the swimmers who did really well came back from university in Melbourne for the championships," Shiels said.

"It was good to be able to host it in the current COVID environment.

"We couldn't do our formal medal and trophy presentations, although we did present the premier events (the 100m races), but we had to make sure all the swimmers were 1.5m apart."

As all Victorians know only too well, the State Government has been extremely strict with its COVID protocols and restrictions.

IN OTHER NEWS:

There's little rest for some of the competitors, who will now turn their attention to the Victorian Age LC (long course) Championships, starting at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on Thursday.

The five-day event is the premier competition for those aged 12-18, while there's also multi class events.