Swimming: Year off to good start

Swimming coach Alastair Johnson says 2013 could be a big year for Swim Rotorua.

Johnson became the head coach of the Rotorua club late last year and says this season has started with some amazing results.

"Competing at their home pool at the Rotorua Aquatics Centre, Swim Rotorua dominated the swimming events to capture an amazing 89 medals," Johnson said.

Leading the way with seven gold medals was 10-year-old Bianca Donelley.

"Bianca dominated her age group and managed to pick up another two qualification events in the 50 metres backstroke and butterfly for next month's National Junior Championships," said Johnson.

Anaseini Nagera celebrated her recent squad promotion by winning six golds, with her best result in the 200m breaststroke.

Fellow squad member Jack Weston has continued his great from from last year with six golds from the meet.

Johnson said Weston's effort in the 200m breaststroke and 200m medley was superb.

Paddy Baylis stole the show in the boys' 12-year-old age group when he won the 200m and 400m medley, Johnson said.

In the younger age groups, Milla Theobald showed great determination to win six gold in the girls 9-year-old age group, with her best effort coming in the 50m butterfly.

Johnson said 10-year-old Jacob Stubbing gave fantastic efforts in his events, especially in the 200m individual medley.

The youngster took victories in the 100m butterfly, 200m freestyle and 100m freestyle.

Also displaying significant improvements were David Boles (400m medley) and Joape Nagera (50m freestyle).

"This was an excellent first meet of 2013. Despite most of the team currently enjoying additional training loads, it was great to see solid improvements in both technique and endurance across the board," Johnson said.

"We are definitely progressing as a team and everyone is really excited about racing fast later in the season."