Hero photograph
 

Finn Russ – NZ Swimming Championships

Megan Weir —

We have a champion in our midst at Te Puna Wai o Waipapa! Finn is a NZ Para swimmer (Classification S19 - Autism) and he represents the Selwyn Swim Club.

Finn recently competed in the NZ Swimming Championships, held at the Hawke’s Bay Aquatic Centre in April. This is the final national meet where NZ Olympic hopefuls are aiming to qualify for the Paris Olympics swimming team.

Finn Russ (Year 12, 2nd from left), and former TPWOW Hagley College student McKenzie Drage (Year 13, 2023, 2nd from right)

Finn had an outstanding meet, competing in five different events. Each event consists of heats, semis and final races. Finn’s achievement in these events is nothing short of outstanding, winning 4 golds and 1 silver medal. He also set a New Zealand S19 record in 3 events!

Finn’s final results were:

· 50m Freestyle - silver medal and a NZ S19 record

· 100m Freestyle – gold medal and a NZ S19 record

· 50m Butterfly – gold medal

· 200m Freestyle – gold medal and a NZ S19 record

· 50m Backstroke – gold medal

Finn was interviewed following his 200m Freestyle and was overjoyed with his results – you can see this interview here.

Ka mau te wehi Finn! We are so proud of you and your achievement!