Swimmers relish opportunity to race

SPRING FORM: Comet Swimming Club members had a successful visit to Hawke's Bay for the Greendale Spring Meet in Flaxmere. Medal winners (from left) Elijah Wright, Luke Wright, Calvin Braybrook and Sophia O'Hara are pictured with coach Anneleen Van Damme. Absent: Taylor Kijowski, Guy Wright, Noah Wright, Sierra Blumfield and Angus Blair. Picture by Paul Rickard

Comet Swimming Club members produced a string of gold, silver and bronze medal-winning performances in the Greendale Spring Meet in Flaxmere, Hawke's Bay, at the weekend.

Coach Anneleen Van Damme said it was a long-awaited racing opportunity for the Comet club.

“Thanks to the region and organising club for making the necessary adjustments for this event to go ahead under current conditions,” Van Damme said.

“There was great team spirit, and the results grew throughout the morning.

“After only a few weeks of being back in training we saw some great skills and efforts.”

Taylor Kijowski won gold in the 100-metre individual medley and silver in the 200m backstroke.

Angus Blair took gold in the 100m back, 50m back, 200m back and 400m freestyle, and a silver in the 100m butterfly,

Luke Wright won the 100m breaststroke, was second in the 25m breaststroke, 50m butterfly and 25 freestyle, and third in the 50m freestyle.

Sierra Blumfield won gold in the 100m breaststroke and silver in the 50m breaststroke.

Noah Wright won gold in the 100m breaststroke, silver in the 200m breaststroke and 100m freestyle, and bronze in the 100m individual medley and 400m freestyle.

Sophia O'Hara won silver in the 100m freestyle, and bronze in the 50m and 100m breaststroke.

Elijah Wright won gold in the 200m backstroke and bronze in the 50m backstroke.

Calvin Braybrook took gold in the 200m backstroke, silver in the 400m freestyle, and bronze in the 100m back.

Guy Wright won silver in the 25m backstroke and 100m freestyle.

“We also congratulate Calvin Braybrook for his courage; he was awarded a $50 prize after entering a range of events very early in his swimming journey (100m, 200m and 400m),” Van Damme said.

“Thank you very much to parents for making this happen and helping out managing and officiating.

“Comet looks forward to the growth that is happening together with the swimmers and their whanau.

“We have another swim meet coming up mid-November, when we will see a few more swimmers have a crack again.”