Waikato performance swim squad juggles early starts, exams and national goals

Gina McCarthy, Ariella and Indiana Riley and Holli Macdonald are part of a tight‑knit swimming squad training out of Hamilton. Photos / Deborah Mckay Montgomery

Before dawn most mornings, when much of Waikato is still asleep, four young swimmers are already in the water.

Gina McCarthy, Ariella and Indiana Riley and Holli Macdonald are part of a tight‑knit squad training out of Hamilton, which recently reflected on a busy period, including overseas racing, academic pressures and big ambitions.

For McCarthy, the past few months have brought new experiences and important lessons.

Fresh from an altitude training camp in Arizona before travelling to Australia to race, McCarthy admitted she wasn’t quite sure how her body would respond.

“I wasn’t certain how I was going to race,” she told Waikato All Sports Breakfast.

“I didn’t quite hit the times I was hoping for in my 200 backstroke, but it ended up being my fastest swim of the season, which I was happy about.”

While her 100m backstroke was “pretty average” by her own high standards, a personal best in the 50m backstroke provided a highlight — and reassurance that the hard work is paying off.

McCarthy said the altitude training, was new and challenging.

“But I really benefited from it, and we had a lot of fun too. That helps.”

Strong performances in Brisbane

The Riley twins are Year 13 students at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls.

Ariella recently competed on the Gold Coast, where she tested herself against Australia’s top swimming talent.

“The competition level over there is really high,” Ari said.

Waikato swimmer Ariella Riley. Photo / Deborah Mckay Montgomery

“It was a great experience and I had some really good races. I came home with a bronze medal and some PBs [personal best times], so I was pretty happy.”

Ari specialises in butterfly and 200m and 400m individual medley.

She said they are not for the faint‑hearted.

“I guess I just like making life hard for myself,” she said.

Balancing those demands with Year 13 studies is no easy task.

Like her teammates, Ari trains seven days a week, with three double training days, a schedule that leaves little time for anything else.

Twins, teamwork and mental health

Meanwhile, Indy focuses on middle‑distance freestyle, and while siblings in sport can often be fiercely competitive, the sisters have found a healthier balance.

“We don’t really compete directly any more because we’re in different events,” Indy said.

Waikato swimmer Indiana Riley. Photo / Deborah Mckay Montgomery

“That’s probably a good thing, it stops constant comparisons.”

For Indy, swimming has been a central part of life for so long that imagining life without it is difficult.

“I honestly don’t know what I’d do without swimming. It’s such a big part of who I am.”

University life and national ambitions

Holli Macdonald, who has moved from school into university, has faced the challenge of learning how to juggle study with elite‑level training.

A 200 and 400 freestyle specialist, she says the transition has required planning, but swimming has helped, rather than hindered, the process.

“Swimming actually helps break up the uni work,” she said.

Waikato swimmer Holli McDonald. Photo / Deborah Mckay Montgomery

“If I’ve had a big day studying, training gets my brain off it for a while.”

Macdonald’s goals are to earn selection for a New Zealand team.

With national championships approaching, she believes making a Tri‑Series squad is a realistic target.

“If I swim to my personal bests, I put myself in a good position,” she said.

Finding balance in a demanding sport

Swimming is often described as a lonely sport, with hours spent staring at the bottom of a pool.

McCarthy said learning to step back has been vital.

Waikato swimmer Gina McCarthy. Photo / Deborah Mckay Montgomery

“Swimming used to be my whole world. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised how important it is to have balance.

“Spending time with friends and doing things I enjoy has actually helped my training and racing because I’m happier overall.”

All four swimmers train together as part of the Waikato Regional Performance Centre (RPC) at Waterworld, under coach Matt Woofe.

With alarm clocks ringing about 5am, social lives are limited and sacrifices are constant. But for McCarthy, the Riley twins and Macdonald, the trade‑off is worth it.

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 councillor on the Hamilton City Council.