Over the weekend, 12 Columba College students competed at the Otago Primary School Swimming Champs held at Moana Pool.

Over 315 swimmers from over Otago attended the event this year and the caliber of swimming was exceptionally high, with many official records being broken over the day.

This was the first official swim meet for several swimmers (Georgie, Emerson, Abigail, and Jela), who achieved great PBs.

The Columba 10 and under 50-metre freestyle relay team (Méabh, Georgie, Emerson, and Gwendolyn) had a nail-biting finish in which they pulled through and won first place.

The Columba 12 and under 50-metre freestyle relay team (Sophie, Eivissa, Mia, and Alice), also dominated their 50m relay, winning first place.

The Columba Medley A Team (Eivissa, Alice, Sophie, and Gwendolyn) came in 4th place after an unfortunate goggles incident, whereas Columba B Medley (Emily, Méabh, Annabelle, and Mia), came in respectful 7th place.

Numerous Personal Bests were smashed by Columba swimmers and a special mention goes to sister duo Emily and Mia - Emily achieved a 14.73 second PB in her 50m backstroke and a 14.85 second PB in her 50m breaststroke, while Mia achieved a 12.37 second PB in her backstroke and 10.38 second PB in her 50m breaststroke race. These are massive achievements, well done!

Team spirit was high amongst Columba spectators (parents and swimmers alike) with many hoarse throats caused by cheering each other on. It’s always a pleasure to manage such kind, caring, and thoughtful kids - the GRACE they showed is a fantastic reflection on Columba.

Individual results are as follows

Girls 9 and under:

Emerson

• 1st 50m relay 10 and under
• 7th 50m Freestyle (PB)
• 10th backstroke(PB)

Georgie

• 1st 50m relay 10 and under
• 2nd 50m Freestyle (PB)
• 3rd 50m Backstroke (PB)
• 4th 50m Breaststroke (PB)

10-year-old girls:

Abigail 

• 12th 50m Breaststoke (PB)
• 14th 50m Backstroke (PB)
• 15th 50m Freestyle (PB)

Gwendolyn 

• 1st 50m relay 10 and under
• 3rd 50m Freestyle (PB)
• 4th 50m Medley Relay
• 7th 50m Backstroke
• 9th 50m Breaststroke

Méabh

• 1st 50m relay 10 and under
• 2nd 50m Breaststroke (PB)
• 6th 50m Backstroke
• 7th 50m Freestyle (PB)
• 7th 50m Medley relay

11-year old girls

Eivissa

• 1st 50m Freestyle Relay 12 and under
• 2nd 50m Backstroke (PB)
• 4th 50m Medley Relay
• 4th 50m Breaststroke (PB)
• 6th 50m Freestyle girls (PB)

Emily 

• 7th 50m Medley relay
• 8th 50m Breaststroke (14.85s PB)
• 8th back stoke- (14.73 s PB)
• 10th 50m Freestyle (PB)

Jela

• 42nd 50m Freestyle

Sophie

• 1st 50m Freestyle Relay 12 and under
• 3rd 50m Backstroke (PB)
• 4th 50m Freestyle girls (PB)
• 4th 50m Medley Relay
• 6th 50m Breaststroke (PB)

12-year-old girls

Alice 

• 1st 50m Freestyle Relay 12 and under
• 3rd 50m Backstroke (PB)
• 3rd 50m Breaststroke (PB)
• 4th 50m Medley Relay
• 4th 50m Freestyle (PB)

Annabelle 

• 7th 50m Medley relay
• 7th 50m Backstroke (PB)
• 13th 50m Breaststroke (PB)
• 14th 50m Freestyle (PB)

Mia

• 1st 50m Freestyle Relay 12 and under
• 7th 50m Medley relay
• 10th 50m Breaststroke (10.38s PB)
• 16th 50m Freestyle (PB)
• 19th 50m Backstroke (12.37s PB)