The National Age Group Swim Championship in Auckland held over five days, commenced on 17 April with Riley Taylor, Reed Stevenson, Jack Sands, Matthew Moore and William Tudgey participating.

This is a Club Championship event and is the pinnacle of swimming for those 18 years and under - included in Riley and Reed’s age division, was Lewis Clareburt who won a bronze medal at the recent Commonwealth Games. The boys swam extremely well over a difficult, tiring week.

Riley won three bronze medals: one for his outstanding swim in the 1500 metre freestyle where he knocked 20 seconds off his personal best time, another for the 400 metre individual medley and to cap off a successful run, a bronze as a member of the zonal relay team. Not only did Riley medal, but he gained entry into finals for every event that he swam, coming close to another medal in the 400 metre freestyle where he finished fourth and gained personal bests in every event.

Jack was also successful in winning two medals. One of these was a silver in the 400 metre individual medley, and the other a bronze in the 400 metre freestyle. Like Riley he completed an excellent swim in the 1500 metre freestyle taking just over 20 seconds off his previous best time. Jack also made it into every final for each of his events and completed a 100% personal best rate. Matthew continued the successful run for the Timaru Boys’ swimmers by winning a silver medal in the zonal relay, and swam well enough to compete in seven finals where he placed in the top ten for everything. He also swam above his personal best times in each event, and like Riley and Jack took 20 seconds off his 1500 metre freestyle time.

Reed gained a personal best in the 200 metre butterfly and William swam well in the 400 metre freestyle and the 1500 metre freestyle.