Levin club's swimmers excel at memorial event
14 clubs, 100 swimmers compete for pool glory
Levin Aquatic Centre was bursting at the seams at the weekend as Levin Swimming Club hosted its annual Paul Kent Memorial swim meet. More than 100 swimmers were competing and, with spectators, managers, coaches and officials mixed in, the atmosphere was electric.
Levin Swimming Club was well represented with 25 swimmers, joining those from 14 other clubs from the Manawatu¯ and Wellington regions, while a team of 16 swimmers from Hawke’s Bay also entered.
Local swimmers posted a remarkable 54 personal-best times during the competition. Relay teams won titles, and individually there were 14 second placings, 10 thirds and four national age-grade qualifying times achieved.
Club coach Dave Howorth, who had been at the helm for the past 18 months, said the swimmers could be proud of their efforts.
“The results speak for themselves,” he said.
“The kids are an awesome bunch, they are dedicated and work hard at training and the rewards are really paying off with all the PBs and top placings. I am looking forward to seeing our newer swimmers progress through the ranks of competitive swimming and to be taking a team to National Age Groups in Hawke’s Bay next April.”
National qualifying times were recorded by Francesca Dale-low in the 200m backstroke with 7 sec personal best time, Ollie Kennett in the 200m backstroke with 5 sec personal best, and brother Jack Kennett in the 100m backstroke with 13 sec personal best, and also the 200m individual medley with 15 sec personal best.
The Kennett brothers broke two club records for their age group — Ollie in the 200m backstroke and Jack in the 100m individual medley, while swimmers Obi Ozkan,10, Bessie Cooper, 9, and Taaliyah Thornton, 13, all made composed competition debuts.
Club race secretary Esta Kennett said it was grateful to the community, the club committee, and all sponsorship support.
“Without our wonderful community of parents and wha¯ nau, volunteers and sponsors, the kids wouldn’t experience this great opportunity in their home town,” she said,
“A special thanks to Lesley Parkin, Dan Turner and Hana Kerins for their work inputting all the results, and to Swimming Manawatu¯ for supplying officials and helping run the meet.”
Kennett said Levin Swimming Club was more than 100 years old and was an inclusive, family-friendly club that catered for all swimmers, especially those who want to take their swimming to the next level and compete.
Enrolments are accepted year round, for more information, contact: lscenrolments@gmail.com or visit: https://www.sporty.co.nz/levinswimmingclub