Welcome to our first web-based version of the SPLASH Newsletter!

What a massive month it has been for swimming in New Zealand, and around the region! This month we have seen our country perform at the World Championships in Doha with a Gold Medal from Lewis Clareburt, and the full suite of medals from Erika Fairweather. Swimming Canterbury West Coast congratulates all members on the New Zealand Team in Doha, and appreciates the true inspiration these performances provide to our members.

As a region, we’ve already had some impressive results across the ditch including three national records, a regional record, and a podium placing at the Victorian Open Championships, held in conjunction with the World Para Series, in Melbourne. Swimming Canterbury West Coast had 14 athletes at the event, including four members on the New Zealand Swimming Team at the World Para Series Event. Emma Smith (Aquagym) also travelled as a coach with the New Zealand Team.

We’ve also had some awesome swimming regionally with six events already under our belt. These events have provided 5663 racing opportunities for our swimmers across more than 772 races. As always, we greatly appreciate the assistance of our volunteers who make these events possible. We encourage all parents, supporters, and athletes to volunteer at local meets - there is always a need for an extra pair of hands across a variety of positions!

133 athletes recently travelled to the 2024 South Island Long Course Championships in Dunedin, bringing back some excellent PB’s, racing experience, and metalware. It is great to see Swimming Canterbury West Coast represented to such an extent at these Major Inter-regional events. We thank Swimming Otago for their work in putting together such a well-organised event.

Quinton Hurley
Participation & Community