It was an outstanding weekend in Taupo for young Howick Pakuranga Swimming Club member Ella Crowe, competing in the New Zealand Open Water Championships.
Crowe, 17, secured a trio of age group titles in the 10km, 5km and 2.5km competitions as well as a gold, silver and bronze in the open women’s division.
An early start on Saturday morning saw Crowe leading through the first five kilometres of the gruelling 10 km marathon swim until the title holder Ruby Heath, from Otago, swam through for the win leaving Crowe and Christchurch’s Abbey Smale battling a sprint finish over the last 100 metres. Crowe prevailed by 1 second to take the silver medal in the open women’s division and claimed gold in her age group.
Less that three hours later, the Pakuranga College student stepped up for the 2.5km competition. Crowe and long-time swimming friend and rival Talitha McEwan from Mount Maunganui didn’t hold back.
They both led the pack commanding an early lead and swam side-by-side right up until the last 50 metres where Crowe’s sprint finish secured her an impressive gold in both the open women’s and age group divisions.
As the sun began to rise early Sunday morning, Crowe stepped up again for the for the 5km event where Smale gained an early lead which she held until the half-way point.
Heath took the lead which she held through the final lap taking out first place and the gold medal with Smale and Crowe finishing second and third respectively in the open women’s division. Crowe was more than happy to come away with a gold for the age group.
When asked what the highlight of the weekend was, Ella Crowe, “It was a totally fantastic weekend. I am very happy with my results and where my swimming is at the moment. Being able to compete with the senior swimmers was a real highlight. They are all great girls and we are all really supportive of each other.
“I would like to thank the officials and volunteers from Swimming New Zealand as, without them, events like this would not be able to happen.”
