The 2022 New Zealand Open Water Champs were held in Lake Taupō recently. This event was originally scheduled to be held in January but was postponed due to COVID.

Swimmers from all across New Zealand come to compete for National Titles in the 10km, 7.5km, 5km and 2.5km.

The course this year was 1.25km rectangular course in Acacia Bay.

Coast Swim Club had a small of team of 5 swimmers and we are incredibly proud of all of their dedication and all the hard work they have put into their training. We also recognise that swimmers from Auckland have had it particularly tough being in lockdown for so long.

Lena Hamblyn-Ough, Year 12, represented the Coast Swim Club in the 7.5km event which is the appropriate distance for her age group. In the 7.5km the swimmers are required to swim 6 laps and they are allowed to feed on each lap from a feeding pole which is held out to them. Wetsuits were optional as the water temperature was below 20 degrees Celsius.

Lena won the National Title, placing first in the 7.5km,  15-17years with a time of 1:36.41, over two minutes ahead of second place.

To qualify to represent NZ at the World Junior Open Water Champs, swimmers are required to place in the top two for their age group and achieve a 1500m time in the pool. Lena has met the first qualifying standard.