Swimming: Coach celebrates 'outstanding' results

Young Rotorua swimmers are making waves in the pools and swim coach Alistair Johnson said it will only get better.

After hosting the Bay of Plenty junior swim champs at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre Johnson said he was pleased with the club's results at the weekend.

"The event proved to be an outstanding success for the Swim Rotorua Club with a staggering 77 per cent personal best times."

Johnson said a number of the club's swimmers had standout performances.

"Paddy Baylis grabbed three gold medals in the boys' 12 years age group to win all the backstroke events. Paddy stormed to victory in excellent times with his 100m backstroke the pick of the best."

The coach said Anaseini Nagera also had a clean sweep in the girls' 12-year age group breaststroke events.

"Anaseini dominated in the 100m breaststroke to record a very impressive 1m 25.80s."

Rotorua youngster Bianca Donelley won a tally of five medals including three golds in the girls' 10-year age group butterfly, 100m freestyle and 50m freestyle.

"To cap off an excellent championship, Swim Rotorua athletes took top awards. Paddy in the backstroke category, whilst Anaseini took top honours in the breaststroke and David Boles in the freestyle category."

Johnson said he was delighted with the overall performance of the team.

"We are constantly challenging the athletes to raise their expectations and performances. It is really encouraging to see them all positively respond and also seeing them supporting each other.

"There is a long way to go but we are all committed to building a fantastic swim club that Rotorua will be proud of," he said.

Meanwhile the coach said he was also proud of the efforts of open water swimmer 18-year-old Luke Matthews, who took part in the State Harbour Crossing in Auckland at the weekend.

Matthews finished second in the men's 15-19 age group in a time of 40m 59s behind Jay Cadman-Kennedy.

"Despite a very heavy swell and choppy conditions, Luke from Lakes High School, where he is head boy, showed maturity beyond his years to beat several established open water athletes," Johnson said.

Luke said he was "stoked" with his time.

"I have been working hard with my new coach Alastair Johnson and my new techniques have paid off."

The next event for Swim Rotorua is the Lakes Open Water event at Lake Rotoiti this weekend.