For Dannevirke swimmers Jenna Buchanan and John McKeefry, being selected for the inaugural Swimming New Zealand zonal competition has been a big achievement, Leigh Buchanan said.
"For them both to be selected for the Wellington region, which includes Wanganui, Manawatu, Wairarapa and Wellington, is wonderful," Mrs Buchanan said.
This new event, which mirrors collegiate events in the United States, featured the 20 best swimmers in two categories, 15 years and under and 15 years and over, from each of the four zones - Southern Makos (South Island), All Stars (Wellington/Manawatu region), Aqua Knights (Waikato/Bay of Plenty/Taranaki/Hawke's Bay) and Harlequins (Auckland/Northland).
John's father Miles told the Dannevirke News the zonal competition was a great initiative.
"It's a very positive by Swimming New Zealand, with Olympic swimmers Daniel Bell and Matt Stanley competing," he said. "Swimmers have to be selected and not just qualify on times, so it's prestigious."
