Mainland’s best do battle at Blenheim pool

Over 200 of the best swimmers in the South Island are in action at Stadium 2000 this weekend when the South Island Short Course Championships are hosted by the Blenheim Swimming Club and Swimming Nelson Marlborough.

Large teams have arrived from both Southland and Canterbury, featuring a former Olympian, several NZ representatives and registered para athletes, who will also battle it out for top honours.

This will be the largest swim meet held in Blenheim in recent times, with swimmers competing in a full set of events, ranging from 50m to 1500m freestyle and all strokes and distances in between.

Coaches have also registered to manage a draft relay team, where they will take turns at selecting swimmers for their 10-person teams to race off for cash prizes.

Action at the aquatic centre began yesterday and runs until until Sunday, with competition sessions staged both morning and afternoon.

As a lead-in to the weekend’s event, The Marlborough App asked Blenheim Swimming Club competitors Finn and Carys McNabb, plus Jessica and Nicola Lovell, about the highs and lows of such a demanding sport.

What is the toughest part about competitive swimming?

Jessica: The toughest part is definitely keeping yourself disciplined. It can be really tiring going to all the training sessions every week and waking up so early.  Although that is the toughest part mentally, the physical challenge of getting into our race togs is definitely a close second! The 20 minutes spent in the changing room desperately squeezing our tight suit over our butt is not for the weak.

Finn: The toughest part about competitive swimming is wanting to quit and stop because you had a bad race or training, but then you remember how happy it makes you when you do well and it pushes you to carry on.

Nicola: Having to get up really early for swimming trainings, always having goggle marks and wet hair. Having to work really hard all the time.

Carys: The toughest part is when a race doesn't go your way, trying to pick yourself up afterwards as you often have to get ready for the next race soon after.

What do you think about when you are doing all your lengths in the pool?

Nicola: I think about food mostly and sometimes my schoolwork if I’m stressed about it.

Carys: What's for dinner, why did I start swimming, what lap is this and how many more to go!

What is the personal highlight of your swimming achievements so far?

Jessica: My personal highlight would be making a national age group final and qualifying for competitions like NAGS and NZSC.

Finn: My personal highlight so far in my swimming has been making a NAGS final and being top 10 in the country for 200 backstroke.

We know that swimmers have very healthy appetites! What is your go-to snack for keeping your energy levels up during training?

Jessica: During swimming competitions I always have banana milk in between sessions! It is my go-to flavoured milk!

Nicola: I always have pasta the night before a race - ravioli (the best) I also love a good Up and Go.

Finn: Pasta, sushi, rice – anything with carbs! I also often have at least three meals before lunch if I train in the morning.

Carys: Spag bol the night before a race is the best! I also make a lot of shakes with milk, banana and yogurt after training.