Swimming: Big medal haul for Greerton

The Greerton Swim team competed at the Central NZ Championships in Hamilton last weekend.

This long course meet is held over three full days of heats and finals so provides the ideal tune up for the upcoming NZ Championships.

Lochlainn O'Connor, 15, was again amongst the medals in a number of events showing he will be one to watch in April. Swimming untapered and primarily in the longer events, Lochlainn won the 200m/400m freestyle double, 100m/200m butterfly double as well as the 400m medley (4:57.35). He also ventured into the long distance realm coming fourth overall in the 1500m freestyle in a time of 17:32.48.

Sprint specialist Cai Jager, 15, took gold over the 50m freestyle (26.46) and bronze over 100m freestyle. Connor Farrell, 13, had a meet of fourths in the 100/200/400m freestyle and the 100m butterfly but broke that trend snatching third in the 50m freestyle sprint.

Marijke Hattingh, 14, continued her strong recent form with silver medals in the 50m butterfly and backstroke, 100m and 200m backstroke as well as the 200m freestyle along with a 100m freestyle bronze. Marijke also won an impressive silver in the 400m freestyle (4:45.37), in a strong event for Greerton with Mia Pugh, 14, and Jasmine Baggaley, 14, placing fourth and seventh respectively.

Kim Cadzow, 14, scored bronze over 100m backstroke which she backed up with strong fourth place showings in the 100m butterfly and 400m medley.

Ella Moor stood out in the grade 16 girls with silver medals in four events, the 50m and 200m freestyle/backstroke races. Kate Kuka, 13, was impressive in the 50m backstroke placing fourth while fellow 13-year-old Jessica Martin was also fourth in the tough 200m butterfly.

Ella Browne impressed in her 400m freestyle event while Mia Pugh was 10th overall and second 14-year-girl in the 800m freestyle swimming 9:54.66. The oh so close award went to Olivia Cumming, 13, who fractionally missed NZ qualifying times in the 400m (4:58.59) and 800m freestyle swimming big personal bests in both.

Tessa Bradley, 15, made a successful return from the surf to swim an excellent 200m freestyle final in 2:17.43.