Raumati swimming team in themedals
Raumati Raptors club swimmers had their best-ever success from the recent Wellington Short Course Championships.
The team scored 79 medals including 33 gold, 22 silver and 24 bronze, as well as 28 new club records.
Held over the first two weekends of September at the Wellington Regional Aquatics Centre, the Raumati Raptors finished fourth-highest on the points table, out of more than 20 clubs from throughout New Zealand.
Coach Jon Winter said that results-wise it was ‘‘absolutely the best’’ short course champs he had been to.
He was also encouraged for the future, with the club’s emerging young talent.
‘‘We’re a different team than we were a year ago,’’ Winter said.
‘‘Seniors have moved on, others have stepped up and are developing into assets. I feel like people are pushing through into medal contention.’’
Among the rising stars was Raumati Beach 16-year-old Eli Litten, competing in Wellington for the first time and winning five gold medals; for the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke, 100m Individual Medley and 50m freestyle.
Ten-year old Noah IrelandSpicer from Paraparaumu Beach won overall in his age group after swimming 11 races and getting 11 gold medals, 11 personal best times and 11 new club records.
And, Waikanae 12-year-old Hannah Huria scored eight gold medals, also winning overall for her age group.
Other swimmers to score 100 points or more were Annabella Jencova, of Waikanae, and Robin Shen, of Paraparaumu.
‘‘We had stars who scored tonnes of points and got lots of medals and people who sprinted out of nowhere into the top ten,’’ Winter said.
‘‘It was a good vibe all the way through.’’