Last weekend, we had the pleasure of presenting our 2023/24 Swimming Otago Annual Awards in Queenstown. Congratulations to all our worthy recipients!

Life Membership – Christine Thompson (Queenstown)

We are proud to present Chris Thompson with Swimming Otago Life Membership. Chris is an exceptional individual and an indispensable member of Queenstown Swimming Club and the wider Otago swimming community. Her unwavering dedication shines through in everything she does, whether it be supporting her club through managing member registrations and organising their events, or supporting Swimming Otago at local, regional, zonal and national competitions.

At a club level, Chris' dedication is nothing short of inspiring. Chris is truly the backbone of Queenstown Swimming Club, ensuring it runs smoothly year after year. Her deep knowledge of the club’s history, constitution, and operations, combined with her willingness to mentor others, has been invaluable. Whether working alongside committee members, coaches, parents, or swimmers, Chris’s influence is profound, and her leadership is unmatched.

Her impact extends far beyond her club, with Chris part of the core group of recorders that travel across our region to support the club, regional, zonal, and national events held in Otago on our annual calendar. Her extensive network within the swimming community and the deep respect she commands from all highlight the immense value of her long-standing contributions.

Chris’s dedication to the sport and the community is a driving force behind its continued success, and her exceptional service is appreciated by all who have had the privilege to work with her.

Service Award – Mike Smith (Kiwi)

We are proud to present Mike Smith with a Swimming Otago Service Award. Mike is a respected member of our Otago swimming community - having been involved with the sport since first diving into the pool in the 80s and notably serving on the Swimming Otago Board since 2017.

Over the years, he has filled a number of roles at Kiwi ASC, most recently leading the club as president, a position he has held since 2019. Mike is a valued member of Kiwi, and his vast experience with the sport is invaluable. He is involved with the club at all levels, from coaching to mentoring to strategic direction - which has seen the club go from strength to strength over the years.

Mike’s passion for and involvement in the sport, long after his children finished competing, is admirable.

Service Award – Nigel Ellett (Otago Admin.)

We are proud to present Nigel Ellett with a Swimming Otago Service Award. Nigel is a respected member of our Otago swimming community. He has been involved with the sport since his daughter began swimming in 2018, and he has notably served on the Swimming Otago Board for the last six years.

Despite Nigel’s short tenure within the sport, his impact has been immense. He has filled several roles across all levels of the sport, from being President of Alexandra Swimming Club to serving as a Technical Official to being a Swimming Otago Board Member and, most recently, the Board Chair for the last two years.

Nigel’s ability to challenge the status quo has led to successful advocacy for policy changes in NZ Masters Swimming, helping to shape the future of the sport. As a member of several Swimming NZ review panels, Nigel contributes innovative ideas and ensures the sport remains accessible and enjoyable. Beyond this, he works tirelessly on budgets, forecasts, and legacy projects, demonstrating his commitment to the long-term success of Swimming Otago.

Nigel’s passion for swimming, strong leadership, and work ethic have made him a valuable asset to swimming in Otago. His dedication to the sport is evident, and recognition of his contributions are well-deserved.

Club of the Year – Neptune Swim Club

This award recognises a Member Club that has positively impacted their swimmers, volunteers, coaches, administrators, supporters, and the local community over the season.

Neptune Swim Club has gone from strength to strength in the 2023/24 season. The club consistently demonstrates their commitment to excellence by fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for swimmers of all ages and skill levels. From working closely with their partners at JC Swim School to ensure the sound development of junior swimmers at the club level to nurturing their competitive athletes through financial support to compete at a level that requires travel. 

The Neptune King's Birthday Meet continues to be one of the most significant events on the Otago calendar, providing a high-calibre competition for swimmers from across the region to experience close to home. The achievements of Neptune swimmers on the world stage also highlights the club's commitment to seeing swimmers achieve – Erika Fairweather became the first New Zealand swimmer in history to win a long course world title, earning gold in the 400m freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships in Qatar. Impressively, Neptune athletes comprised 25% of athletes who competed at Japan's 2023 World Aquatics Championships, and a third of the team selected to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games - more than any other club in the country. 

This is the fourth time Neptune Swim Club has received this award.

Coach of the Year – Lars Humer (Swim Dunedin)

This award recognises outstanding contribution to the sport over the season. The award considers swimming performances, broader services to the sport, and their relationship with the region.

Under Lars Humer’s leadership, the Swim Dunedin programme had a remarkable 2023/24 season, reaching new levels of success. Lars' passion for the sport and exceptional coaching earned him significant recognition, including being a 2023 Halberg Award finalist and winning prestigious titles like the 2022/23 NZSCTA Coach of the Year and the 2023 Swimming NZ Supreme and International Coach of the Year. 

Over the past year, Lars has guided his swimmers to impressive international achievements. Six of his athletes were named on the Paris Olympic longlist, with three qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games - with the Swim Dunedin programme making up a third of the team, more than any other club or programme in the nation. Lars was also named as a New Zealand coach for the Games. He also coached at the 2023 World Championships, where Erika Fairweather earned a bronze medal, and at the 2023 World Cup Series, where his athletes won multiple medals. His partnership with Erika Fairweather saw her make history by winning New Zealand's first gold medal at a World Aquatics Championships. Lars has also coached athletes to success at the Oceania Championships and selection for the New Zealand Tri Series.

This marks the second time Lars has received this award.

Volunteer of the Year – Annika Bokor (Kiwi)

This award is presented to a volunteer with outstanding commitment and dedication to swimming over the season.

Annika Bokor has been an invaluable volunteer within the Otago swimming community over the 2023/24 season - giving up her time to support athletes, clubs and families across all levels of the sport.

Annika is a dedicated and active member of the local swimming community, particularly with Kiwi ASC. As a member of the Kiwi’s competitive swimming subcommittee, she has taken on roles such as Senior Team Manager, organising relay teams, and actively sharing knowledge with new swimming parents. Her organisational skills have been vital, including the implementation of a new swim cap design and ordering process. Annika also assists with event logistics, such as timekeeping and checking results during Club Ribbon Nights.

In addition to her work with Kiwi ASC, Annika has made a significant impact as an announcer at various swim meets, including the Neptune Kings Birthday Meet, the South Island Long Course Championships, and the NZ Masters Games. She also manages her club's Facebook page, providing detailed recaps of members' achievements. Annika’s dedication and expertise make her a valuable asset to the swimming community, and her contributions have been instrumental in supporting swimmers, families, and local clubs.

Regional Swimmer of the Year – Erika Fairweather (Neptune)

This award is presented to the swimmer who has excelled during the nomination period.

It has been another monumental season for Erika Fairweather, with her dedication, hard work, and commitment propelling her to new hights and inspiring young athletes across the region and beyond. Throughout the season, she set eight Otago and three New Zealand open individual records across multiple freestyle distances, and played an instrumental role in the New Zealand team that broke two national relay records.

On the international stage, Erika’s performances were exceptional. At the 2023 World Aquatics Championships, she was the sole medallist for New Zealand - earning bronze in the 400m freestyle and becoming only the fifth woman in history to break the four-minute barrier. In October, she won the triple crown in the 400m Freestyle at the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup series, an incredible lead-in to securing New Zealand's first world long course title when she won the 400m Freestyle at the 2024 World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Doha. With a further two medals earned in Doha, plus an impressive fifth place finish with the 4x200m Freestyle relay, Fairweather secured her selection to the 2024 New Zealand Olympic team. 

This marks the fifth time Erika has received this award.

Female Emerging Swimmer of the Year – Charlotte Aburn (Neptune)

This award is presented to an up-and-coming female swimmer aged 16 years old or younger, whom has excelled during the nomination period.

Charlotte Aburn has had a break out season, earning her first medals on the national stage in swimming and continuing to excel in surf lifesaving.

Charlotte is a training member of the New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Blackfins Team, after bagging two golds at the national surf lifesaving championships earlier this year. Her success in the surf translated nicely to the pool, with Charlotte standing on the poidum at the 2024 New Zealand Age Group Championships, earning selection to represent New Zealand in the Tri-Series against Australia in October.

Male Emerging Swimmer of the Year – Alfie Weatherston Harvey (Kiwi)

This award is presented to an up-and-coming male swimmer aged 16 years old or younger, whom has excelled during the nomination period.

Alfie Weatherston Harvey is a dedicated and committed swimmer who takes great pride in his sport. He consistently supports his swimming friends, offering advice and encouragement during competitions. He also demonstrates respect towards his coaches and swimming officials.

Throughout the season, Alfie set two Otago Long Course Age Group records in the 800m Freestyle, improving the previous record by more than ten seconds. His impressive performances led to his selection for the national team following the an impressive showing at the 2024 New Zealand Age Group Championships where he won four medals - including a maiden national age group title.

In October, Alfie will represent New Zealand in the Tri-Series against Australia.

Article added: Sunday 22 September 2024