Pirates top at swim championships

By Frank Neill

Karori’s Pirates Swim team won the trophy as the top ranked club in the Wellington Long Course Swimming Championships, held at the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre from 21 to 23 January.

The Pirates claimed first place out of the 31 clubs entered when they recorded 967 points to edge out Christchurch’s Wharenui Swimming Club, who scored 949 points.

“It was a huge moment for us,” the Pirates swim coach Steve Francis told the “Independent Herald”.

The Pirates won 20 gold medals, 18 silver medals and 20 bronze medals in clinching the victory.

Three Pirates swimmers were the age group champions at the meeting.

Zac Alexander had a real breakthrough meet, achieving a clean sweep when he won seven gold medals from his seven races. This saw him win the 15-year-old male competition.

Catherine Sonerson won the 16-year-old female competition and Declan Broadfoot won the 13-year-old male competition.

The Wellington Long Course Swimming Championships was assistant coach Liam Neal’s final meet for the Pirates. He’s been with the Pirates for 15 years – seven years as a swimmer and eight years as a coach.

“The team stepped up on the last day to hold off Wharenui and send Liam off in style,” Steve Francis said.