Regional team out to make a splash

A nine-strong contingent from the Wanganui Swimming Club start their campaign today at the National Age Group Swimming Championships.

Being held at the Kilbirnie Pool in Wellington, the age-group meet will see more than 600 swimmers from across the country compete.

There will be 10 sessions over five days, finishing on Saturday.

Wanganui coach Jane Lowe said six of their team have qualified in the top 10 of their events.

"However, with just a few seconds between swimmers, all will be striving to reach the finals and to produce personal bests."

The 14-year-old girls are Elena Forlong (50m, 200m backstroke), Nina Eades (50m, 100m and 200m backstroke) and Laura O'Keeffe (50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, and 800m freestyle, 50m butterfly, 50m and 100m backstroke, and 200 medley).

In the 14-year-old boys events are Sam Miller (50m, 100m and 200m backstroke, 50m and 200m freestyle) and Fergus Smith (50m, 100m backstroke, 50m, 100m butterfly, 50m freestyle and 200m medley).

Entering the 15-year-old age group is Jacob Smith (50m, 200m breaststroke) and Sophie Couper (50m, 100m and 200m backstroke).

In the 16-year-old age group is Zoe Groves (50m, 100m and 200m backstroke).

And Thomas Ireton will enter the 17-year-old grade (50m, 100m, and 200m butterfly, 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke, 400m medley and 50m freestyle).