Over the weekend out top 13 and under swimmers from the region represented us at the mighty Caro Cup a dual meet against our Auckland Neighbours which returned following a 4 year absence.

Was great to see our young people step out of their comfort zone- a lot of our young swimmers not having raced in Auckland before – our 12 year old girls were very strong taking out both relays and most of the individual events to top that age group points score – our full ladies team also taking out 2nd top girls team of the meet (6 teams racing) so well done to all our 10, 11, 12 and 13 year old ladies for the strong contribution in racing all the way to the finish to maximise our top team points. Thanks to those teamies who covered for our last-minute illness and injured folks – we had 3 or 4 who happily jumped up behind the blocks to give their best often in races they weren’t comfortable in so great to see flexibility and open mindedness to just get on with the job.

Congrats to those who PBed over the course of the morning – special mention to Kahlea Norris who just ripped up her races in the 13 year old girls and just led the team from the front with her infectious personality and get on with it attitude well done Kahlea it was very much noticed!!

Our boys also put their best foot forward led by our 11-year-old Everett Williams with victories for his races and a barnstorming last leg of the relays to bring that age group home for top finishes. . We had a lot of good fighting races from our lads under some challenging injury and illness conditions and I would like to thank all the lads but in particular highlight Lochie Aspinall, Finn McNulty and Grayson Shallue who had to step up an age group a few times to fill a few gaps so much appreciated their young lads – you earned your treat on the drive home.

Our top Boys team finished 4th of the 6 teams competing and will be looking to use the experience to be even better next year.

A great return to fast and challenging racing with the Caro Cup and we look forward to continuing to develop it and build our young people’s racing skills with this event into the future.

Thanks to all our young people and their clubs and coaches for their great work with our young people so far. We are in good hands with the attitudes, passion, support and laughter our young swimmers all brought with them on the day.

Thanks to Cameron Gray Commonwealth Games medallist for being a great commentator for the morning. Thanks to Auckland swimming for hosting and we look forward to hosting you here in 2023 and to our wonderful parent managers, parent cheerleaders and coaches who supported the swimmers over the morning it was very much appreciated.

Cheers Team,
Aly