Masterton's Isaac Foote might have been the only Wairarapa swimmer participating in the New Zealand tri series internal tour last week but he more than held his own against quality opposition. The Genesis Recreation Centre pool in Masterton was the first of the three tour venues and there Foote placed thirdin the 200m breaststroke (2mins 32.59secs) and the 200m individual medley (2.16.64) and fourth in the 400m freestyle (4.20.83) and the 800m freestyle (8.53.01) At Taupo Foote placed first in the 200m butterfly (2.13.84), second in the 400m individual medley (4.43.30) and third in the 400m freestyle (4.11.39) while in a hectic schedule in Wanganui he was first in both the 400m individual medley (4.43.45) and 200m butterfly (2.13.90) and second in the 400m freestyle (4.13.63) and the 800m freestyle (8.46.55). The 60 swimmers contesting the tri series were separated into three teams for competition purposes and Foote was elected captain of the Red Indians who won the team's prize.They finished on 715pts, just two ahead of the Concords with Smurfs third on 621. Meanwhile the small Greytown club punched well above their weight at the Manawatu age group championships held last weekend with the hugely promising Bella Biggs leading the way.She had 10 swims for 10 golds in the girls 10yrs section,, an effort which followed hard on the heels of her stunning performance at the Wellington long course championships where she won six golds and two silvers. Word is that Biggs will contest eight events at the Wairarapa open championships this Saturday and Sunday which could conceivably mean her gold medal tally in a two week span is stretched to an amazing 24! Another highlight for Greytown at the Manawatu meet was Ruby Fisher winning her first ever medal and qualifying for the national juniors in the 50m butterfly,Ben Van Wijk picked up a gold and a bronze and Kaden Saywell managed eight personal best times in nine swims.
