Caps off for world records
Surf Club’s prowess in the water proven again at nationals
Sandra Burrow smashed two world records at the Surf Life Saving New Zealand Pool Championships helping her masters team to win their division at the national tournament which helped put Orewa Suf lifesaving club second overall on the national stage.
On the final day of the championships at the Sir Owen G. Glenn National Aquatic Centre on Sunday, Burrow set a new world record in the 65-69 Masters Women’s 100m Obstacle Swim with a time of 1.33.17, smashing the old record of 1:39.50.
The 65-year-old then backed that up with another world record in the 65-69 Masters Women’s 100m Manikin Tow with a time of 1.36.25, knocking 1.63 seconds off the old record.
Burrows was part of just an eight strong masters team from Orewa who all held their own against much bigger sides, hoovering in the medals to take the national Top Masters Club trophy.
Orewa came in second overall behind Mt Maunganui, bringing home 69 medals - 29 gold, 20 silver and 20 bronze.
More standout performances saw 10-year-old Kailen Brackenbush break the New Zealand record for the under-11 50m Swim with Fins and under-14 competitors Lyric Su’a, Emma Sutherland, Jelani FreesirWetzell and Kate Wignell broke national records in the 4x50m Medley Relay and the 4x50m Obstacle Relay.
The under-16 team of Levi Ata, Xander Cuff, Callum Stinson and Sam Reinen broke the 4x25m Manikin national record.
In total, 45 new New Zealand records were set across 200 events at the championships.
With events such as manikin carry, line throw and swim with obstacles, the championships tests the athlete’s rescue capability and helps competitors of all ages train for surf-based rescues in a more controlled environment.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand Sport Manager Mike Lord says this year’s pool championship was the biggest yet with a record 603 entries and it was also one of the most successful.
‘‘What a way to kick-off the surf sport season. We pride ourselves on setting the way with pool rescue and the amazing results that came out of the three days of racing proved that. Two world records and over 40 New Zealand records is truly outstanding, he says.
Orewa’s success comes just weeks after claiming the Northern region pool champs last month. Go to rodneytimes.co.nz for a full list of medallists.
‘‘What a way to kickoff the surf sport season.’’