The HBPB Swimming Board was delighted to announce and present the 2026 HBPB Swimmer of the Year Awards at the prizegiving of the HBPB Winter Short Course Championships.

These are the region’s annual swimmer achievement awards, recognising outstanding performances across four categories. Each award is based on specific performance criteria, celebrating swimmers who have achieved at an exceptional level during the year.

🏆 HBPB Open Water Swimmer of the Year – Paige Franklin (CHB)

Paige Franklin was recognised for her outstanding achievements in open water swimming throughout the year.

Paige was the Overall Female Champion in the Ocean Swim Series, as well as the winner of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Open Water Series and the 16–19 Ocean Swim Series.

Her consistent success across the major open water competitions made her a deserving recipient of the 2026 HBPB Open Water Swimmer of the Year Award.

🏆 HBPB Junior Swimmer of the Year – Lola Stewart (Enterprise)

Lola Stewart claimed the Junior Swimmer of the Year Award with a 652 FINA point swim for her 50m Freestyle at the 2026 New Zealand Age Group Championships.

The award recognises the highest FINA points performance by an HBPB swimmer aged 14 and under, making Lola's performance the standout junior swim for the award period.

🏆 HBPB Para/Disability Swimmer of the Year – Lance Dustow (CHB)

Lance Dustow was awarded the Para/Disability Swimmer of the Year Award following an outstanding 878 World Para Swimming score for his 50m Freestyle.

The award recognises the highest World Para Swimming score achieved by an HBPB para/disability swimmer and celebrates Lance's exceptional performance in the pool.

🏆 HBPB Swimmer of the Year – Pinnacle Award – Caleb Carlisle (NAQ)

The HBPB Swimmer of the Year is the pinnacle of the annual awards and recognises the region's highest-performing open-age swimmer based on FINA points.

Caleb Carlisle claimed the prestigious award with a 783 FINA point swim in the 100m Butterfly at the 2026 New Zealand Championships.

Caleb's performance was the highest FINA points score among eligible open-age HBPB swimmers, earning him the region's premier annual swimmer achievement award.

Celebrating Outstanding Achievement

The four awards highlight the exceptional performances being achieved by swimmers across Hawke's Bay and Poverty Bay – from open water and para swimming through to junior and open-age pool swimming.

A huge congratulations to Paige, Lola, Lance and Caleb on their outstanding achievements and well-deserved recognition.

The HBPB Swimming Board is proud to celebrate these exceptional performances and acknowledge the high level of swimming being produced across our region.

Congratulations to all our 2026 HBPB Swimmer of the Year Award winners!