Young swimmers set for challenge in Hastings
Excited, nervous and focused are just a few words to describe how a group of six young Southland swimmers are feeling ahead of a big week in the water.
The six swimmers – Alesana Lafoga, 15, Joseph Koroiadi, 17, Joel Wilson, 16, Gabriel Oliveira, 14, Luke Biggar, 15, and Olivia Johnson, 14 – are all set to compete this week at the New Zealand Age Group Swimming Championships in Hastings.
More than 600 competitors from across the country will be at the event, which starts today and runs until Friday.
The Southland crew has been training hard for the championships, which is one of the biggest swim events on the calendar and something they look forward to each season.
Swimming Southland head coach Jeremy Duncan said there were plenty of talented swimmers in the group.
“They are a good group with good dynamics, very coachable and all here for the right reasons. It will be a good week away ... They have certainly done all they can to prepare well.”
The season had involved the usual ups and downs, he said.
“We’re very lucky down here that we can do a lot of long pool training at Splash Palace [in Invercargill], but they’ve all had their hiccups with illness, school etc.”
He anticipated plenty of competition, which often led his swimmers to step up a level or two.
“We have always come home with at least one medal when we head away to these events, and I am expecting something similar again.”
The expectations would vary depending on each swimmer.
“Some are competing for the first time at national level, and it will just be about swimming the fastest they can in the heats,” Duncan said. “If they don’t make the final, then that’s no problem – for them it’s about experience.
“My role is to just manage that expectation and make sure they are on task and not too overawed by it all.
“Those for whom it might not be their second rodeo, they will obviously be pushing for finals and wanting to swim faster there.
“If we stay on track, prepare and swim well, then we could bring some more medals home.”
Numbers heading to the event from Southland fluctuated every season, Duncan said. “Last year I think we had 10. This year there may also be a small group from Gore who are doing their own thing, so there will be about 10 representing Southland up there but [some are] swimming for their clubs.”
Koroiadi, Lafoga and Wilson have all been before and know what to expect, while it will be foreign territory for Olivia, Gabriel and Luke.
One person who wants to do well in their last year of competition at the age group champs is Koroiadi.
“I am hoping to make it count ... I want to medal and beat my personal best in the 200m backstroke,” he said.
Koroiadi, Luke and Olivia represent the Murihiku Swimming Club. Lafoga and Oliveira represent the Waverley club and Wilson the Hokonui club in Gore.
The age group champs, being held at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre, is the big long-course event of the year. The short-course nationals event will take place in August and is another that Swimming Southland targets.