And just like that, the 2024 New Zealand Division II Competition has come to an end. It was the quietest day in the pool today, however we had six Otago athletes in action taking on their final event of the meet. There were great swims across the board today, with a 78% PB rate and one last podium earned. 

A huge congratulations to all our Otago athletes on their efforts today, and all week long. It has been fantastic to see such positive results from each and every athlete who attended, and we can't wait to see how you all learn and develop from this valuable racing experience!

Sophie Wellington (Kiwi) finished on the podium in her final race of the competition, taking third place in the Female 13 Years 100m Freestyle. After taking over a second off her personal best time in the heat, Wellington backed it up by taking another 1.5 seconds off her morning swim to gain another qualifying mark for the New Zealand Short Course Championships.

Eric Strachan (Oamaru) rounded out his week of racing with another qualifying time for the New Zealand Short Course Championships later this year. Strachan lowered his personal best time in the 100m Freestyle twice over the course of the day to achieve the qualifying mark.

Other large personal best times on day five include...

• Finn Henderson (Queenstown) went under the minute barrier for the first time in the 100m Freestyle
• Thomas Coney (Alexandra) sliced a second off his entry time in the 100m Freestyle
• Lara Bradford (Alexandra) set a new short course personal best, lowering her previous time in the 100m Freestyle by around a second

The full list of personal best times can be found in the results summary below.

Podium Finishers on Day Five

Athletes that gained qualifying times for NZ Short Course Championships on Day Five
Note: Qualification based on age as at date for NZSC Championships

Day Five Results
Note: PBs noted are based on short course personal best times

Article added: Saturday 11 May 2024