Three young Otago athletes have been selected to represent New Zealand at the Tri Series in Hamilton from 4-6 October, gaining their first international racing experience. Charlotte Aburn (Neptune), Caleb Ludlow (Alexandra), and Alfie Weatherston Harvey (Kiwi) have been selected as part of a 39-strong team to compete against some of Australia's top young swimmers from Victoria and Western Australia at the series.

Swimming New Zealand describes the Tri Series as "an event that has been specifically designed to introduce young NZ swimmers to the demands of performance racing in an international environment". The series revolves around a number of team based meets, spread over a 2.5 day schedule, where athletes try to gain as many points for their team as possible.

Get to know our newest trio of international representatives...

Charlotte Aburn (Neptune) was a two time medallist at the 2024 New Zealand Age Group Championships, which was her first NAGs experience. A freestyle specialist, Charlotte has won back to back South Island Long Course Championship age group titles in the 400m Freestyle (2023, 2024). Outside of the pool, Aburn is also accomplished in Surf Lifesaving, having won two national titles at the New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships in Mount Maunganui earlier this year.

Caleb Ludlow (Alexandra) was the 2023 Otago Emerging Male Swimmer of the Year, and excels in the Breaststroke and Medley events. Ludlow was a three time medallist at the 2023 New Zealand Short Course Championships, and was a finalist at the New Zealand Championships and Age Group Championships in 2024. As one of the older members of the Alexandra Swimming Club squad, Caleb takes on a leadership role within his club and is a big inspiration to junior swimmers across Central Otago.

Alfie Weatherston Harvey (Kiwi) was a stand out performer at the 2024 New Zealand Age Group Championships, taking home four medals including a national title in the 1500m Freestyle. Alfie has reset the 16 Years Otago Age Group Record in the 800m Freestyle twice this year, and was crowned South Island Overall Champion in three events (400m, 800m, 1500m Freestyle) at the South Island Long Course Championships in 2024. Impressively, Weatherston Harvey is skilled across a number of strokes, excelling in Freestyle, Backstroke, and Medley events.

Congratulations to Charlotte, Caleb, and Alfie, along with their awesome coaches and support teams!

Article added: Friday 31 May 2024