Junior swimmers race South Island's best

Richmond Aquatic Centre was abuzz with activity last weekend as over 100 young swimmers looked to make their mark.

Representatives from 16 clubs looked to impress at the South Island Junior Swimming Championships, with four sessions and 33 events.

Swimming Nelson Marlborough was helped by hosting by both Nelson South and Tasman Swim Clubs. It is a large swimming event to be hosted in Nelson and hasn’t occurred in recent years as there are many larger swimming venues in the South Island.

There was a mix of individual events and medleys, as well as a fiercely contested kickboard team race.

With 17 swimmers in 157 races, Nelson South Swim Club had the largest local representation and came away with 22 golds, 25 silvers and 12 bronzes, while earning a silver and a bronze in the relay. Henry Jones impressed in the boy’s 11 year-old category for the club with a big haul of nine golds and three silvers.

Tasman Swim Club saw 16 swimmers in 139 races, with 10 golds, six silvers and 11 bronzes, picking up two additional bronzes in the relays.

Charlotte Tuthill, in the female 10&U category, picked up all of the club’s golds as she topped the podium of every individual event she raced in.

Waimea Swim Club saw two swimmers earn a gold and two bronzes, while Motueka Swim Club took home two silvers from their two swimmers.

On top of the podiums, a lot of local swimmers came away with personal best times.

The juniors had a lot of fun and laughs including a fun flower power dress up parade before the last session.