Westlake National Swimming Champions 2016
A team of nineteen swimmers represented Westlake Boys High School at the 2016 New Zealand Secondary School 
Championships, held in Wellington’s Regional Aquatic Centre over the weekend of 10-11 September.
Westlake headed into the national finals knowing that it would be a challenge to beat last year’s runners-up Wellington College in order to retain the New Zealand championship title. All Westlake swimmers started their heats and finals realising that their placing could mean the difference between finishing on top or runners-up at the end of the competition. Over two intensive days of swimming, some amazing PB’s (Personal Bests) were recorded, most notably by Sam Lee and Bailey Wang. Sam, ranked 9th in the 200m breast, swam an awesome race, claiming the bronze medal and Bailey, ranked 14th for the 100m freestyle, smashed two seconds off his PB to finish 6th overall and winning the Westlake team valuable points at a time when every point counted.
The decider race for the New Zealand title was saved until the final men’s 100m blue ribbon event, when Westlake were narrowly trailing Wellington by 10 points. Captain JaeYun Lim, together with Finn Kennard-Campbell secured Westlake’s win with a gold and silver placing respectively, a very fitting end to a fabulous competition.
Overall Westlake won 30 podium places, including 13 gold, 11 silver and 6 bronze medals, finishing up on 2043 points ahead of Wellington College with 1974 points and Palmerston North Boys High School with 1425 points.
To secure a consecutive title at nationals caps off another successful season in the pool for Westlake Boys where hard work and perseverance have yet again paid off. Congratulations to JaeYun for being a fantastic team captain and to the rest of the team for their exemplary conduct, respect and support of everyone in the pool. Special thanks to Mrs Houzet and Mr Salmon for their continuing support and encouragement.
Medallists:
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- Jonathan Selman: 5 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
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- Finn Kennard-Campbell: 4 gold, 5 silver
- Bailey Wang: 1 gold, 1 silver
- JaeYun Lim: 1 gold
- Matt Holder: 1 silver, 1 bronze
- Mitch Grigorov: 1 silver
- Jason Churches: 2 bronze
- Josh Lee: 1 bronze
- Sam Lee: 1 bronze
- 15 and under – free and medley relays: gold
- 16 and over – free and medley relays: silver
Read more in the latest College Sports Media article here: http://www.collegesportmedia.co.nz/swimming
- Jonathan Selman: 5 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
