Hamilton swimmer Alanna Rawson, 15, is one of Waikato’s most promising young athletes, combining raw talent with a competitiveness that has already carried her to national titles and an international competition.
A student at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls and a member of the St Peter’s Swimming Club in Cambridge,Alanna has been in the water for as long as she can remember.
“I’ve basically been swimming since I popped out,” she said on Waikato’s All Sports Breakfast recently.
What began as childhood lessons quickly turned into a passion.
By the age of 10, she was winning medals at Waikato championships and qualifying for national events.
Her favourite stroke is butterfly – to much protesting by her quads, she said.
“My quads hate ’fly, but stretching, recovery and consistency make a huge difference.”
Her commitment has already paid off: Alanna is the reigning national age-group champion in the 50m, 100m and 200m butterfly, a rare sweep for someone her age.
In December, she competed in her first international meet in Queensland against top Australian and Korean swimmers.
Alanna Rawson is a student at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls and a member of the St Peter’s Swimming Club in Cambridge. Photo / Amy Bell
Alanna’s goals for this year include defending her national titles and chasing a major milestone: breaking the one-minute barrier in the 100m butterfly.
Her current best is 1m 3.2s, but she wants to get it down to 59.5s.
“Daunting, but I’d love it.”
Looking further ahead, she hopes to compete at the 2032 Olympic Games.
Beyond the pool, her life is a balancing act of schoolwork, training and the occasional moment to unwind with friends and family.
Netball once featured in her life, but swimming now commands her full attention.
Alanna credits her coach, Alistair Johnson, who has recently been appointed head coach at St Peter’s, as a major supporter.
Her parents are also key, providing the transport, support and financial backing required for elite youth sport.
“Mum and Dad are really good. Without supportive parents, you’ve got no show,” Alanna said.
Graeme “Mintie” Mead is a sports commentator, the host of the radio show Waikato All Sports Breakfast and a Newstalk ZB overnight host. He is also a Hamilton City Councillor.
