Waikato claims seven finalists in State Insurance NZ Swimming Awards

Waikato swimming will be well represented at the 2014 State Insurance New Zealand Swimming Awards with seven finalists selected from the region.

Hamilton’s Fairfield Swim Club has had three of its members named as finalists.  They will be competing in three categories: NZ Swimming Trust Emerging Swimmer of the Year; Swimmer of the Year with a Disability; and Club Coach of the Year.

Coach Ken Nixon has been chosen for a second time as a finalist for Club Coach of the Year.

“I was a little bit surprised. The people I’m up against are very good coaches.  I’m humbled knowing the other coaches’ ability levels and achievements.”

Nixon has had a 23-year career in coaching, four of which have been spent at Fairfield Swim Club.

“I’ve always loved the water and I’ve always swum myself.  It’s rewarding seeing young people reach their full potential and learning what it takes to get there.”

Swimmer Jesse Reynolds, 17, is in the running for Swimmer of the Year with a Disability.

“It’s great to be nominated. Going up against Mary Fisher and Nikita Howarth in the same category is going to be tough.”

In 2013 Reynolds travelled to Montreal to compete in the World Paralympic Championships.

“I went to the World Champs when I was 16, and in my race the top three people were 23 and 25.  It was really cool to still be making finals.”

Nixon said Jesse’s achievements reflect the work he puts into the sport.

“He puts up to nine two-hour sessions in the water in a week and on top of that we do three dry land sessions that amount to another two and a half hours on top of his swimming.”

Nixon says the success of Waikato swimming is due to development and communication between coaches around the region.

“We’re looking for improvement all the time. We’re looking for better organisation, better methods and we want to look after the swimmers.”

Swimming Waikato Executive Officer Craig Scott said  he was very proud to see so many finalists from the Waikato region.

‘‘It’s fantastic to see the achievements and commitment of these individuals and clubs acknowledged. We have many talented swimmers and dedicated volunteers in our region and it is very satisfying to see some of them recognised at such a prestigious, national event.’’

The winners will be announced at the State Insurance Swimming New Zealand Awards dinner on Saturday the 12th of April at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland.