A remarkable team effort by Howick Pakuranga Swimming Club (HPK) at the annual Swimming New Zealand National Age Group Championships has cemented the club’s national ranking in the top 10.
HPK took a team of 15 to Wellington for the championships, a five-day meet – ending April 23 – for the country’s best 13-to-16-year-olds to compete against each other, said the HPK’s Alastair Bates.
“HPK’s athletes did fantastically well concluding the championship as the eighth best club in the country (out of 68),” Bates said.
“Our 15 athletes entered 70 different events over the week and made 38 finals. Out of those 38, 31 (82 per cent) swam a new personal best.
“That’s a fantastic achievement and a testament to the work both they and their coaches put into being prepared both physically and mentally.
“Congratulations to all athletes involved during the week but also to coaches Rachel Palmer and Horst Miehe and managers Leanne Asiata and Katherine Sweetman. Without them the athletes wouldn’t be able to compete.”
Medallists:
13-year-old Mae-Ying Reynolds brought home the Club’s lone Gold Medal in the 1500 Freestyle and added a Bronze in the 800 Freestyle;
14-year-old Danielle Asiata brought home 5 Medals – Silver in the 400 IM and 100 Freestyle and Bronze in the 400 Freestyle, 200 IM and 1500 Freestyle;
13-year-old Olivia Bates brought home 4 Medals – Silver in the 200 Breaststroke and Bronze in the 400 IM, 100 Breaststroke and 1500 Freestyle; and
16-year-old Skyla MacDonald brought home 1 Bronze Medal in the 100 Fly.
