Kowhai swimmers off to short course champs

From left, Joe Kuwant, Aaron Skipper, Xanthee Austin, Caroline Gilpin, Grace Richards and Siina Cooke.

Four athletes from the Kowhai Swimming Club have qualified for the NZ Short Course Championships in August, after a spectacular performance at national level.

Caroline Gilpin, Aaron Skipper, Xanthee Austin and Siina Cooke each qualified, based on their performance at the NZ Division Two Nationals in Dunedin.

Along with their club mates, Joe Kuwant and Grace Richards, they all achieved their best personal times at the competition.

Aaron Skipper placed sixth in the 16 to 18 year-old division, despite having turned 16 only last month.
Coach Jill Fayerman said the club was extremely proud of the swimmers’ achievements and how well the team had represented the area.

Results: Caroline Gilpin, 15, bronze medal, 100m fly – 1.09.59. Xanthee Austin, 13, bronze medal, 50m fly – 30.85. Aaron Skipper, 16-18, 50m breaststroke – 33.76. Siina Cooke, 13, 100m breaststroke – 1.22.30. Joe Kuwant, 14, 100m breastroke – 1.21.26. Grace Richards, 15, 200m breaststroke – 3.03.11.