Young swimmers given chance to impress

Two Swimming Nelson Marlborough athletes have been selected to take part in next month’s SNZ 2021 Tri Series Tour.

Eighteen-year-old Jack Bugler from the Blenheim Swimming Club and Tasman Swim Club member William Seymour (15) have both been chosen to participate in the series as part of the National Age Programme. Nelson South Swimming Club member Finn Russ (14) has also been selected to participate in the 2021-22 National Age Programme.

The series focuses on continuing athlete and coach development at the highest level of age group swimming in New Zealand. Based on the popular ISL format, three teams of swimmers will battle it out in the pool over six days. Each team of 18 consists of 16 athletes (two para and 14 able-bodied) plus two coaches.

The focus for the swimmers will be athlete training, developing racing skills, growth mindset and teamwork. Athletes will be encouraged to race fast despite partaking in multiple races and secondary events, while dealing with fatigue and lack of recovery time.

William and Jack have already enjoyed a successful 2021 season.

William won gold in the 50m and 100m backstroke and silver in 50m and 100m freestyle at the National Age Group Championships in April and has also broken three Swimming Nelson Marlborough age group records this season.

Jack competed at the AON New Zealand Championships in April, winning two silver medals in 200m freestyle and 100m breaststroke and a bronze in 100m backstroke multiclass events.

The Tri-Series Tour will take place across four locations from Monday July 12 to Saturday July 17.