Top talent for squad

Two youngsters have earned places in the national junior swim squad this month.

Red Beach’s Hannah Turner, 12, and Puhoi’s James Donovan, 12, won the 200m OceanKids event at the King of the Bays swim in Takapuna on April 8.

Their outstanding wins in the final event of the seven New Zealand Ocean Swim Series, secured them well deserved spots in the Jetstar Super Swim Squad.

By having their places locked in, the pair will attend a weekend camp with some of the top swimmers and coaches in Auckland on May 6 and 7.

Hannah and James have previously competed in numerous New Zealand Ocean Swim Series events.

The two spend a lot of their time training at Coast Swim Club to prepare for their events.

Hannah’s mother, Sharon Turner said Hannah thought it would be a close race, but didn’t expect to win.

‘‘My friends that have been to the camp before said it was a lot of fun so I wanted to try something different and give it a go. I’m really excited that I achieved my goal and got into the squad,’’ Hannah said.

For James, this will be his second time attending the Jetstar Super Swim Squad Camp as he qualified for the squad in 2016.

James’s mother, Roz Donovan said James was not sure if he would be able to push through to win the OceanKids swim as he competed in the 1km swim before it.

‘‘He was very happy when he realised he had won. I hope he will learn some new ocean swimming skills at the camp and also make new friendships with other swimmers from across New Zealand.’’

James said he is looking forward to catching up with old friends who have won places in the squad again.