Junior athletes from across South Island converged at Moana Pool in Dunedin for the 2024 edition of the Makos Junior Festival. Among the 243 participants were 78 athletes representing ten clubs from across the Otago region. The three-day, four-session competition was jam-packed with action and excitement across all strokes and distances.

The first day of racing set the bar high for our 12 years and under Otago competitors, who amassed 69 personal best times from 95 swims (a PB rate of 72.63%), 12 podium finishes, and one Otago Age Group Record.

Congratulations, Fergus Kindiak (Kiwi), on breaking his Male 9 Years and under 200m Freestyle record. He shaved over one second off the record he set in Alexandra only a couple of weeks ago, in a new time of 2:40.78.

Making multiple trips to the podium’s top step was Hattie Olsen Vetland (South Otago Sharks) with three from three events and Hannah Ker-Fox (Neptune) with two top placings from two events.

Day one highlights of the podium finishers and those that set the biggest personal best times are in the table below.

After an exciting opening session, Day two presented a significant challenge with two sessions featuring 280 swims across multiple strokes and distances, as well as relays and a fun mid-session 50m Freestyle Kick event. Otago athletes delivered outstanding performances, securing 33 podium finishes, one Otago Age Group Record, and an additional 181 personal best times.

Congratulations to Sam Morris (Wanaka) on setting a new Male 10 Years 200m Backstroke record. Sam smashed the previous record, set way back in 2008, by over three seconds to record a new time of 2:44.68 – outstanding!

Between sessions, our very own Neptune Swim Club trio—Caitlin Deans (Olympic Finalist), Kane Follows (Olympian), and Esme Paterson (Oceania Champion)—delivered a sold-out Dive Start Clinic. Forty participants engaged in a skill session followed by an interactive Q&A. If you missed out, don’t worry—join us at Race with the Reps on Sunday, 23 March, for a chance to race head-to-head against some of Otago’s and the country’s best swimmers.

Otago claimed an all-Otago podium trifecta in the Female 12 Years 50m Backstroke, with Hannah Ker-Fox (Neptune) taking gold, flanked by Myla Duncan and Eivi Isles (both from Kiwi). The Girls 4 x 25m Freestyle Kick Relay saw an exciting battle, with the Kiwi team (Gwendolyn Somerville, Leila Kindiak, Eivi Isles, and Myla Duncan) securing victory, closely followed by Jasi and third-place finishers Neptune Swim Club. In the Girls 4 x 50m Medley Relay, Neptune’s team of Georgie Wellington, Ava Scott, Hannah Ker-Fox, and Emerson Hawken claimed second, ahead of the Kiwi ASC team.

Day two highlights of the podium finishers and those that set the biggest personal best times are in the table below.

Sunday marked the final day of competition, with three individual events and the 4 x 50m Freestyle Relays remaining. Otago’s athletes made the most of every opportunity, recording 68 personal bests from 123 swims (a PB rate of 55.28%), fifteen podium finishes, and two Otago Age Group Records.

Congratulations to Fergus Kindiak (Kiwi) for setting a new Male 9 Years & Under Otago Record in the 50m Freestyle. Fergus shaved over half a second off the previous record, set in 2006, to clock 33.30. Sam Morris (Wanaka) set a new Male 10 Years record in the 100m Backstroke, smashing the 2009 record by over three seconds with a time of 1:16.76. Both athletes finished the competition with two Otago Age Group Records, multiple podium finishes, and a host of personal bests—an outstanding achievement!

Several Otago swimmers dominated the podium, including Hattie Olsen Vetland (South Otago Sharks) with three wins from three events, and Sam Morris (Wanaka) and Hannah Ker-Fox (Neptune) each securing two top finishes. In the Girls 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay, Neptune’s team of Georgie Wellington, Ava Scott, Emerson Hawken, and Hannah Ker-Fox finished second, just ahead of Kiwi ASC.

Day three highlights of the podium finishers and those that set the biggest personal best times are in the table below.

Across all sessions, our Otago team achieved 60 podium finishes and a remarkable 318 new personal bests, resulting in an overall PB rate of 59%. Congratulations to all swimmers, coaches, team managers, and parents who contributed to an exceptional Makos Junior Festival—you have done your clubs and region proud!

A huge thank you to the dedicated team of Technical Officials and volunteers—events like this simply would not be possible without your hard work and support.

Results by Event can be viewed here.

Don't miss the next racing opportunity, Race with the Reps in Dunedin, on Sunday, 23 March. Entries close on Thursday 13 March, at 11:59pm. Get your entries in now!

Interested in becoming a Technical Official? Visit our web page, or for more information, email us at admin@swimotago.org.

Article added: Tuesday, 11 March 2025