Pickett starts NZ Open champs in record style

Michael Pickett. File picture

SWIMMING

GISBORNE swimming sensation Michael Pickett broke his own national age group records three times on the opening of the New Zealand Open championships in Auckland yesterday.

The former Enterprise Cars Swim Team member, competing for the North Shore club, twice broke the 15 years boys’ 50 metres butterfly record.

He also lowered his 100m freestyle record as lead-off swimmer for North Shore in the 400m free relay.

His times are under the selection requirements for the Junior Pan-Pacifics and Youth Olympic Games.

Selection is subject to approval.

Pickett, who is schooling at St Peters Lutheran College in Brisbane and swimming for the powerhouse St Peters Western club over there, won the B final of the 50m fly in a time of 25.21.

It was 0.30secs under the record he set in March at the Associated Independent Colleges championships in Brisbane.

He had already bettered that time in his heat (25.46).

He clocked 50.69 as lead-off swimmer as North Shore finished second to Howick Pakuranga in the 400m free relay.

The previous record was 51.21 set by Pickett at the same March meeting in Brisbane.

Former Comet Swimming Club member Emma Godwin, now with the Heretaunga Sundevils, won the women’s 200m backstroke title last night.

She clocked 2min 15.32secs.

The champs are being held at the Sir Owen G Glenn National Aquatic Centre and run to Friday.