Swim success for new Tauranga club at short-course nationals

Olivia Cummings swam a PB at the national short course nationals. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Created just six months ago, Tauranga's Liz van Welie Aquatics Swimming Club is already getting itself noticed.

The club's swimmers raised more than a few eyebrows with their efforts at the recent New Zealand Swimming Short Course Nationals in Auckland.

Key performances came from Corey Hirst who produced a personal best (PB) in every race with a highlight being his 8.5sec improvement in the 400m individual medley, placing him third in under-16 boys. Jack Daines knocked 9sec off his PB in his 200m butterfly and lowered his 400m freestyle time by 11sec.

"Nice to see that a sixth-month programme with the right taper for each athlete can have good effect," head coach Daniel Cooper said. "Every athlete we took swam a PB in at least one of their events. That's what coaching is about. They all had a really good time away together, and for that, I'm happy."

Olivia Cummings clocked a 10.98sec PB in her 800m freestyle followed by Ella Hoskin breaking a BOP Swimming 200m butterfly record with a 4sec PB.

Club chairman John Delaney is quietly pleased with how the group has performed under the training and direction of Cooper.

"The club had only been established in April this year so is barely six months old and yet has already established a group of quality swimmers capable of competing on the national stage. It's exciting to see what has been achieved in a very short time," Delaney said.

"What's even more exciting is the volume of swimmers developing behind them, including our para-swimmers. Liz van Welie Aquatics is all about process. Every swimmer at every level has to understand what it is they're doing, why they're doing it and how to measure improvements. This team has applied this and exceeded my expectations. Their respective percentage improvements in times is outstanding."

Delaney said it was critically important that the best swimmers demonstrated good character and were good ambassadors for the new club.

"These guys are great role models in and out of the pool. The younger swimmers really look up to them."

The senior squad takes a well-earned rest this week before returning to the pool with the rest of the Liz van Welie Aquatics Swimming Club squads.

A new programme with Athlete Nation will be instigated and Dr Matt Kritz is relishing the opportunity to further develop and enhance the athleticism of the swimmers.