Blenheim Swim Club Reflect on South Island Champs

The South Island Championships took place in Blenheim from 30 August – 1 September at Stadium 2000. The championships doubled as a qualifying meet for the new Swimming New Zealand Zonal Competition that will take place in Wellington on the 4th of October following the New Zealand Short Course Championships.

Blenheim Swimming Club recorder Lorraine McMath provided the following account of the championships:

Spectators were treated to some top-class performances from some of the country’s best swimmers. Matthew Hutchins, 18, who has recently returned from representing New Zealand at the World University Games, powered away to a decisive win in his signature race, the 400m freestyle.

Otago swimmer Kurt Crossland, 29, blitzed the 17 and over men’s backstroke events.

Marlborough swimmers were among the medal winners with more than 200 of the South Island’s top swimmers converging in Blenheim for the championships.

15 year old Sara Gane won two gold medals in the 200m breaststroke and 100m breaststroke, breaking Nelson Marlborough age-group and open records in both of these events.

Sally McMath, also 15, picked up four bronze medals in the 50m butterfly, 50m backstroke, 100m backstroke and 100m butterfly, as well as a silver medal in her signature race the 200m backstroke.

Officials from Swimming New Zealand attended, as well as many nationally qualified officials from throughout the South Island.

Stadium 2000 opened in 2012 and is home to the Blenheim Swimming Club that has been around for over 100 years. The pool complex is one of the best facilities in the South Island with a 10 lane 25m competition pool that is two metres deep throughout and a six lane warm up/down pool. There is also a 25m four lane outdoor pool that is open during the summer months. The facility has a fully equipped gym, sauna, spa, squash facilities and three basketball courts.

Lorraine believes that Stadium 2000 is a great place for swim teams to visit for swim camps as it’s in the middle of town and within walking distance to good accommodation. The Blenheim Swimming Club welcomes teams to contact them for further information at www.blenheimswimmingclub.co.nz