Blair to wear NZ cap at Tri Series

Angus Blair, of Comet Swimming Club, has been picked in a New Zealand age group team for a Tri-Series in September against athletes from Australia and the Pacific Islands. Picture supplied

Comet swimmer Angus Blair has been selected in one of two New Zealand age group teams to compete against Western Australia, South Australia and a Pacific Island team in the 2023 Tri Series meet in September.

Blair earned his place after a successful week at the Swimming NZ national age group champs where he won silver medals in the 17-18 years boys’ 200 metres backstroke and 400m freestyle.

The Tri Series will be a week-long series of competitions held at the Hawke’s Bay Aquatic centre from September 24-29.

“The concept is aimed at giving age group swimmers exposure to and experience in international competition as they get closer to representing New Zealand at senior level overseas,” Comet head coach Glenn Hamblyn said.

A busy winter in the pool for Blair begins with the Hawke’s Bay-Poverty Bay winter championships from July 1-3 followed by the national secondary schools champs from July 20-23, and the national short course champs from August 8-12.

“As well as that, Angus has the Surf Lifesaving NZ pool championships to race at,” Hamblyn said.

“He will be busy preparing and racing, which will be great for setting him up for an even bigger and more successful summer at the end of the year.”