Amazing records at local swimming carnival | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

Ninety-seven Taranaki swimmers competed at the TSB Pool in Stratford on Saturday night. Competition was strong, with swimmers keen to qualify for national meets and produce personal best times.

Four Taranaki records were lowered, with Stratford Mountain Motors Flyers 13yr old Ashley Rupapera swimming the 200m butterfly in a time of 2.31.88, lowering the previous record of 2.34.21 held by Kim Shearstone, Bell Block made in 2000. Ashley lowered her own 50m backstroke record time 32.37 (32.94). Brydie Whitehead (New Plymouth) the 400m freestyle for 11yr girls, time 4.55.68; lowering the record held by Anna Barclay, Hawera, by four seconds.

Dylan Dunlop Barrett, 15yrs, of Bell Block in the 400 medley time 4.44.36, just on seven seconds off the previous record held by Brady Corkill of Opunake.

Flyers Squad and Stratford Club swimmers to record personal best times were: Brendon Dimock, Dane Carr, Scott Carr, Jackson Arlidge, Natasha Brown, Brock Wilson, Julian Weir, Dylan Arlidge, Ryan Cooper, Ashley Rupapera, Emma Brown, Andrew Dimock, Rachel Weren, David Walsh, Cale Karanga, Rebecca Johnston, Jordon Cooksley, Sophie Cooksley, Lane Simkin and Sarah Cooper.

To add to the comfort of the large attendance of swimmers and spectators was the new seating at the pool. The swimming club were able to provide seating for up to 300+ people due to a generous grant from the Taranaki Electricity Trust to whom the people who use the pool are truly grateful.

The Flyers Squad next meet is the Bay of Plenty Champs at Tauranga, August 18-20.