Pickett makes record splash at nationals

FOUR years work paid off: Michael Pickett set a new 50-metre freestyle record at the national open championships in Auckland with a blistering time of 22.11 seconds. He has qualified for the world championships in Japan in July. Picture supplied

GOLD Coast-based former Gisborne swimmer Michael Pickett’s comeback from injury hit a New Zealand record high at the national open championships in Auckland last night.

Pickett, racing for Auckland club Club 37 when he is in New Zealand, won the men’s 50 metres freestyle final at the Sir Owen Glenn National Aquatic Centre.

Not only was his time of 22.11 seconds a New Zealand record — surpassing the 22.25 he swam in the heats —  it also qualified him for the world championships in Japan in July.

The 20-year-old slapped the water in delight when he saw the time.

“This means the world to me,” he said afterwards.

“I’ve been working towards this for the last four years. I’ve put in so much training to get to this point so it’s pretty special to get the record.”

Heading into yesterday morning’s session, the national record was 22.27, set by Daniel Hunter in 2019.

Pickett clocked 22.25 in his heat to qualify fastest for the final.

He upped the tempo in the final to head home Cameron Gray (Coast Swimming Club) in 22.33 and Club 37 clubmate Carter Swift in 22.77.

Pickett’s father Fletcher, of Gisborne, told The Herald this morning the record and qualification were reward for all the hard work after his son went through a long recovery from injury.

He suffered a herniated disc about 2½ years ago and it took 12 months before he was back to full fitness.

“He’s been back training for the past 12 months,” Fletcher said.

Pickett shifted to Brisbane to complete his high school years at St Peters Lutheran College and was a member of the St Peters Western Swim Club.

He moved to Somerset Swim Club on the Gold Coast earlier this year.

Last night’s gold was Pickett’s second medal of the champs.

He gave Gray a fright in the 100m freestyle final before finishing third in 49.68. Gray won in 48.70 with Swift second in 49.47.