More NZ swimming records set by Gisborne’s Michael Pickett in Australia

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

SWIMMING

GISBORNE’S Michael Pickett has continued his outstanding form in Australia.

The 15-year-old — attending St Peters Lutheran College in Brisbane — followed up record-breaking swims at the Queensland State sprint championships last month by breaking three New Zealand age group long-course records at the AIC (Associated Independent Colleges) champs yesterday.

Pickett set new times, to be ratified, in the 50 metres freestyle, 100m freestyle and 50m butterfly at the Chandler Swimming Complex in Brisbane.

All records were set within three hours of each other.

Pickett’s time for the 100m free, 51.21 seconds, was over half a second inside the 15 and 16yrs New Zealand age group records.

His new time for the 50m free was 23.14 and came as the lead-off swimmer in a relay race.

He clocked 25.51 for the 50m butterfly.

Pickett’s father Fletcher told The Herald this morning that he, Michael’s mum (Anna McVey) and the family were “really pleased”.

“It’s a good build-up for the New Zealand age group champs (from April 17 to 21 in Auckland).

“He’s in the hard phase of his training when the focus is on endurance. The next phase is speed before the tapering off phase, which is when he will be at his peak.

“Michael will be home before the NZ champs, then after those he flies back to Brisbane to compete in the Australian national age group champs.”

Pickett’s efforts at the AIC champs helped his school to the overall senior aggregate honours.