The Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre was a hub of speed, strength, and spirit as more than 500 athletes from across New Zealand converged for the 2026 New Zealand Age Group Championships, held from 8–11 April. Across four action-packed days, Otago athletes delivered an outstanding campaign, securing 22 medals, producing seven Otago records, and achieving a strong haul of personal bests and qualification standards.

Among the standout performances was Myla Duncan (Kiwi), who made an immediate impact at her first national championships, sweeping gold in all Female 13 Years backstroke events (50m, 100m, and 200m). She also reset her own Otago age group record in the 50m Backstroke, clocking a swift 30.51.

In the Female 14 Years, Hana Carnie (Wanaka) delivered a remarkable campaign across all backstroke events. She lowered the 50m Backstroke record by 0.67 seconds to 30.72, before rewriting the 100m Backstroke record in the heats and lowering it again in the final to 1:04.75—more than two seconds inside the previous mark. She completed her set of records in the 200m Backstroke, again breaking the mark in the heats and improving it further in the final to 2:20.25. Impressively, all three performances met the qualifying standards for next month’s Oceania Championships in Fiji.

Training partner Sophia McClintock (Wanaka) also enjoyed a breakthrough meet, breaking the long-standing Female 14 Years 50m Butterfly record of 28.92 (set in 2017), while also dipping under the Oceania Championships qualifying standard in the 100m Freestyle.

Hannah Ker-Fox (Neptune) impressed in her championship debut, showcasing both versatility and endurance with three podium finishes from six events, including silver in the 400m Individual Medley and bronze in both the 200m Individual Medley and 200m Freestyle.

In the multi-class category, Kithmi Kandegoda Gamage (South Otago Sharks) made a strong impression after just one year in the sport. He secured three podium finishes, silver in the 200m Freestyle and bronze in the 400m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke, while recording personal bests across all events. One of his standout performances was in the 400m Freestyle, where he improved by an impressive 23.85 seconds across the day (heats and finals), highlighting a promising future in the sport.

Elsewhere in the team, notable podium performances included Hugo Beeby (Neptune), who claimed gold in the 200m Breaststroke. Teammate Lily McGrath earned silver in both the 50m and 100m Breaststroke, while Annalise Miller (Neptune) collected four medals with silver in the 400m and 800m Freestyle and bronze in the 200m and 1500m Freestyle. Sophie Wellington (Kiwi) also added to the tally with bronze in the 200m Individual Medley.

Beyond the podium, the Otago team delivered a strong collective performance, producing 35 personal bests, improving by a total of 1 minute and 35 seconds compared to entry times, and setting seven new Otago records. These results highlighted the depth, progression, and potential across our clubs, reinforcing a bright future for Otago swimming.

The championships also tested the adaptability of all involved, with an incoming cyclone forcing an unprecedented schedule change that saw the final two days condensed into one. Despite this, Swimming New Zealand managed the adjustments efficiently, ensuring all events were completed safely and fairly, while athletes responded with resilience and professionalism.

Finally, sincere thanks go to all Technical Officials, but especially our Otago team of Mary McFarlane, Alan Hale, and Elaine Weatherston, for their contribution to the success of the meet.

For full results, Otago results, competition photos, or livestream replays, click on the following links

• Full Results or Otago only
• Competition Photos (remember to include the photo credits when posting)
• Livestream Replays

👀Looking for your next racing opportunity? 

Don't miss the next swimming event, the Mary McFarlane Classic on 2-3 May. Entries close on Thursday, 23 April, at 11:59pm. Get your entries in now!

🤔Keen to get involved?

Check out our web page here, or flick us an email at admin@swimotago.org or tap a shoulder at the next competition – we would love to hear from you!

Article added: Tuesday 14 April 2026