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HBPB SWIMMING NEWSLETTER MARCH 2025 |
HAVE YOU PAID YOUR AFFILIATION FEE? ALL MEMBERS SHOULD BE FINANCIAL MEMBERS - PLEASE GO ON THE DATABASE AND MAKE PAYMENT |
BRIEF NEWS |
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FEATURE ARTICLESOME WORDS FROM EMMA GODWIN ON HER EXPERIENCES AS A HIGH PERFORMANCE SWIMMER AND SWIMMING AT THE WORLD AQUATIC SC CHAMPIONSHIPS IN DECEMBER |
At the end of last year, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Budapest with the New Zealand Swimming team to compete at the 2024 World Short Course Championships. For me, this marked my final appearance on the international stage, as I prepare to conclude my competitive swimming career at the end of 2024. The trip started off in Slovakia where we had a week of training and getting ourselves adjusted to the time-zone change. Arriving in 0-degree temperatures was a shock to the system after leaving summer behind in New Zealand, but the facility where we were staying was a world-class training center, and everything we needed was under one roof. As a result, going outside was a choice I didn’t make too often throughout the day! The team was excited the morning we woke up to snow falling outside which coincided with our recovery day, so we decided to adventure through some The day we landed in Budapest, there were only a couple of days before the competition started, and everyone was becoming increasingly excited to get into it. Walking around poolside was an experience in itself, with all the different countries warming up and every top swimmer you could think of passing by. My race was scheduled for the last day, so I had the opportunity to soak it all in, watching and learning how the elite swimmers approached their dryland exercises, warm-ups, and racing. Witnessing world records being broken live was something I could never have imagined, with the energy around the pool electric. A total of 30 records were broken throughout the week and every one of them was just as unreal as the next. Time had come and it was my turn. Standing behind the blocks before my 200-meter backstroke race was a surreal and nerve-wracking moment. Competing alongside some of the best swimmers in the world and having the opportunity to swim in one of the finest pools was incredible. These moments are what we all train for, day in and day out. It's the hard work we put in, both individually and with the support of friends, family, coaches, and our club, that pushes us to achieve things we never thought possible. Although my swim at the World Championships did not produce the results I had hoped for, nor did it reflect the capabilities I had proved to myself in training, the past few months of reflection have allowed me to be proud of what I achieved last year as well as appreciate the journey I've been fortunate to have over the last 20+ years of swimming. If I had the opportunity to do it all again, there are definitely some key points I could tell my younger self, and I hope that by sharing them, I can help younger swimmers achieve their goals, no matter what level they're at 1. Life is bigger than the pool and the results that come from it. 2. Embrace the small moments that occur alongside the significant ones. 3. Success can be defined by much more than just place or time on the board. 4. We all have our bad days—that’s part of life—but don’t allow those days to overshadow the good ones. 5. Don’t take yourself too seriously. 6. Trust in yourself In conclusion, my experience at the 2024 World Short Course Championships in Budapest has been a significant chapter in my swimming journey. While it was bittersweet to conclude my international competitive career, it allowed me to reflect on two decades of hard work, growth, and unforgettable moments. The memories created during both training and competition underscored the importance of the community and support that surrounds athletes. So, a huge thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey and to younger athletes: embrace the journey beyond results, celebrate small victories, define success by personal growth, and always remember to have fun. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
HBPB UP AND COMERS 2025 Flyer here HAVA A GO CARNIVAL - HAWKE'S BAY More information here NZ AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025 Link to information here SUNDEVILS MEET 2025 Flyer to follow NZ CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025 Link to information here NZ MASTERS 2025 Link to information here |
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NZ DIVISION 11 COMPETITION 2025A fantastic team of 21 swimmers from across the region travelled to Auckland in late March to compete at the 2025 Division II Competition. It was a great weekend with 18 of these swimmers staying together at Bassett House. What a fun weekend it was. In the pool special congratulations to our placegetters: - ELI RASMUSSEN Trojans – (16 and over) - 2nd 100 Breaststroke (1.13.65), 3rd 200 Breaststroke (2.39.97), 3rd 200 Freestyle (2.04.00) - TIANA MARSDEN Sundevils – (16 and over) - 1st 50 Freestyle (28.06), 2nd 50 Backstroke (31.61) - MAX MACINNES Greendale – (16 and over) - 1st 100 Backstroke (1.01.27), 1st 50 Backstroke (28.89) - CHRSITINA MCCUTCHEON CHB – (14 yr) - 3rd 100 Backstroke (1.10.21) - AIDEN CARLISLE Aquahawks – (13 yr) - 1st 100 Individual Medley (1.07.61), 1st 50 Breaststroke (34.95), 3rd 100 Breaststroke (1.18.40), 2nd 200 Individual Medley (2.29,04) - ELLA FRITCHLEY Sundevils – (13 yr) - 2nd 50 Freestyle (28.89), 3rd 50 Butterfly (31.63) - MAGGIE HARPER Trojans – (13 yr) - 1st 400 Individual Medley (5.34.87), 2nd 200 Individual Medley (2.37.89) - PHOENIX BOTES Aquahawks – (13 yr) - 2nd 200 Backstroke (2.30.65), 2nd 50 Backstroke (31.60) A big thank you to Coach Willy Benson - the number of PB's swum by this team has been amazing. Thank you also to Team Managers Amanda McEntee and Karla Caviale-Delzescaux, and THE LION FOUNDATION for their generous support to enable this team to travel and compete. |
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COMING UP….NAG'S WEEK IN HBIt's not long before our region welcomes hundreds of swimmers into HB to compete at the 2025 NZ Age Group Championships. Aside from the racing there are some other events being held. Dive Start Clinic - SNZ is running a Dive Start Clinic on the 14th April at 12.30pm. This is an awesome opportunity to learn some great skills alongside some of NZ's best. Keep an eye out for details to register. Have A Go Meet - HBPB is running a Have A Go Meet on Saturday 12th April between 12.30 and 2.30pm. This is for anyone who wants to try out racing, and is aimed at those who currently are not registered as a club or competitive swimmer. Participants just need to be able to swim one length of the learners pool (no diving permitted). More information can be found here and registrations can be done here Get registering and also encourage all those out there you know to come and HAVE A GO. “Volunteer" Opportunities - There are still five more spots on the Volunteer Roster to fill in. These “volunteers” receive a payment of $50 per session, as well as getting to be part of the action. The role is simply helping with the evening finals and walk outs. The link to the roster is here |
MEMBER PROTECTIONDid you know that every club has a Member Protection Officer? This is part of our policy and commitment to ensure that members are kept safe, while having an inclusive and respectful environment. These are your contacts:
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TECHNICAL - WE STILL NEED YOU!! |
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KEY CONTACTS |
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