The Otago Primary School Swimming Champs were held at Moana Pool on the 12th of November. Columba College had seven swimmers from the Junior School and Middle school entered: Méabh Russell, Gwendolyn Somerville, Sophie Wellington, Alice Jefferies, Mia North, Beth Elder and Isla Peddie.

All the girls swam exceptionally well against very stiff competition in their age categories. Highlights from the day include:

Méabh Russell (10-year-old girls' category)

3rd 50m breaststroke (1.23 second pb)

8th 50m freestyle (pb)

8th 50m back

Gwendolyn Somerville (10-year-old girls' category)

3rd 50m backstroke (3.08 sec pb)

5th 50m freestyle

7th 50m breaststroke

Sophie Wellington (11 year old girls category)

3rd 50 m backstroke (1.96 sec pb)

4th 50 m freestyle (only 0.28 sec behind 2nd)

7th 50 metre breaststroke

Alice, Beth, Mia and Isla had very strong competition in the 12 year old and over category. Alice Jefferies placed 10th in the 50 metre freestyle race, and in the 50 metre breaststroke race. Beth Elder came away with a 2.28 second PB in her 50 metre freestyle race- no small fete! Mia North smashed 4.62 seconds off her 50 metre breaststroke time. Isla Peddie calved a further 0.42 seconds off her 50 metre backstroke time.

Well done to everyone involved, what a fabulous day at the pool. A huge thank you to Pene Knowles and Emma Morton for supporting our team as Columba management.