Flyers compete in Melbourne | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

Mountain Motors Flyers swimmers gave excellent results at a recent Australian swimming meet. The event was open to swimmers 13 years and over, and locals all competed with distinction at the Victoria State Swimming Championships in Melbourne on January 11-15.

The meet was a long course competing in a 50m pool The meet attracted 74 clubs and squads from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, England and New Caledonia, with the Flyers Squad placing 29th out of 74.

"This was an amazing experience for the squad traveling by tram to and from the pool twice daily to compete. They would be up at 7am and asleep between 10-11pm over the five days makes an arduous time that only very fit athletes can cope," said coach Clive Wheeler.

Squad members made 13 finals and 20 personal best times. Ashley Rupapera (15) won three gold medals and lowered one Taranaki Record.

Results

Ashley Rupapera: Gold 200m medley,100m and 200m breaststroke. Taranaki record 200m breaststroke time 2.42.82 own 2.42 83. 4th 100m freestyle, 6th 200m butterfly and 400m medley.

Rebecca Johnston (15): 4th 200m backstroke, 5th 100m backstroke, 7th 100m butterfly and 10th 200m freestyle.

Jackson Arlidge (16): 6th 400m freestyle and 200m butterfly, 7th 100m backstroke.

His time of 2.13.39 slashed 3.6 seconds of his previous best time.

Personal best times were also achieved by: Sarah Cooper 200m breaststroke, Adrian Pitman 200m breaststroke, Tomas Arlidge. 200m breaststroke and 200m medley, Andrew Dimock 100m butterfly, 100m freestyle and 200m medley and Brendon Dimock 100m freestyle.