Three Otago athletes made a splash over the weekend at the 2025 South Island Country & Town Competition, held at the Selwyn Aquatic Centre in Rolleston. Competing across four sessions, the trio delivered outstanding performances, claiming four medals, achieving nine new personal bests, and showing that their hard work in training is paying off.

Kaiyo Nakajima (South Otago Sharks)

Kaiyo was in red-hot form, earning four podium finishes, including two golds, and setting five personal bests across seven races. His standout swims included an impressive win in the 200m Backstroke, where he shaved almost 12 seconds off his entry time.

Results:

• 🥇 200m Backstroke – 2:38.93 (PB)
• 🥇 100m Backstroke – 1:12.22 (PB)
• 🥈 200m Individual Medley – 2:38.59 (PB)
• 🥉 50m Backstroke – 34.37
• 50m Butterfly – 33.06 (PB, 6th)
• 100m Individual Medley – 1:12.97 (PB, 4th)
• 50m Freestyle – 29.61 (9th)

Stuart Swallow (Clutha United Swim Team)

Stuart had a strong showing in the pool, hitting four new personal bests and finishing just shy of the podium in the 100m Backstroke, where he placed 4th.

Results:

• 100m Backstroke – 1:19.07 (4th)
• 50m Butterfly – 33.35 (PB, 7th)
• 100m Freestyle – 1:06.49 (PB, 11th)
• 100m Individual Medley – 1:19.08 (PB, 11th)
• 50m Freestyle – 30.44 (PB, 11th)

Mika Nakajima (South Otago Sharks)

Mika gained valuable race experience across her three backstroke events, showing determination and consistency in a competitive field.

Results:

• 200m Backstroke – 3:48.80 (9th)
• 100m Backstroke – 1:39.78 (19th)
• 50m Backstroke – 46.79 (19th)

Don't miss the next swimming event, the Wanaka Interclub Meet on 26-27 April. Entries close on Thursday 17 April, at 11:59pm. Get your entries in now!

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Article added: Thursday 03 April 2025