The Westlake Girls Swimming Sports Day was a vibrant and colourful celebration of competition, participation, and House spirit, held at the National Aquatic Centre in Rosedale. The atmosphere was electric as students cheered loudly from the stands, proudly supporting their Houses and striving to collect maximum points throughout the day, and Wairau shone throughout the water.
From the championship freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly races to the more light-hearted events such as the noodle races, kickboard challenges, and the always-entertaining staff relay, students displayed determination, courage, and enthusiasm. Many swimmers pushed themselves to achieve personal bests, while others stepped bravely outside their comfort zones to represent their Houses in the pool.
Some truly memorable highlights included the House synchronised swimming routines, confidently led by the energetic and well-practised Sports Prefects. The creative and entertaining performances captivated the crowd, with Onewa unanimously taking out the top honours. Another crowd favourite was the ever-popular Manu bombing competition, which was spectacularly won by Year 13 student Phillipa Ah Vui with a perfect 10/10 jump.
Outstanding performances were recorded throughout the day, with athletes contributing valuable points to their Houses. Year 9 Junior Swimming Champion Amber Fawkner delivered a remarkable series of swims, recording the fastest time in every junior championship event, including freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and the individual medley. Amber’s exceptional efforts undoubtedly played a key role in helping Wairau secure the House Swimming Cup – their first victory in many years.
Junior Champion – Amber Fawkner
Intermediate Champion – Brooke Humphries
Just as memorable as the races themselves was the unwavering support from the sidelines. One of the loudest cheers of the day came when the staff relay team took on the school’s top swimmers in the Year 13 relay race and won. Jordan Stanley, Ashleigh Longstaff, Lucy Coombes, and Phil Dorney may have entered the pool a little shyly, but they finished with confidence and plenty of pride.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all the staff, student leaders, Sports Prefects, and Deans whose efforts ensured the day ran smoothly and made the event such a success.
Congratulations to the new 2026 House Champion, Wairau and the 2026 Swimming Champions.
HOUSE POINTS
1st Wairau 261 points
2nd Pupuke 241 points
3rd Onewa 238 points
4th Hauraki 163 points
5th Akoranga 117 points
2nd Pupuke 241 points
3rd Onewa 238 points
4th Hauraki 163 points
5th Akoranga 117 points
SWIMMING CHAMPIONS
Junior Champion
1st Amber Fawkner – Wairau
1st Amber Fawkner – Wairau
2nd Kylie Lu – Onewa
3rd Lexi Biffin – Onewa
Intermediate Champion
1st Brooke Humphries – Wairau
1st Brooke Humphries – Wairau
2nd Charlotte Welsh – Wairau
3rd Michelle Ai – Pupuke
Senior Athletics Champion
1st Cayleigh Blackburn – Pupuke
1st Cayleigh Blackburn – Pupuke
2nd Tannah Strombeck – Hauraki
3rd Holly Christensen – Onewa
Main image above: Senior Champion – Cayleigh Blackburn.