It was standing room only for spectators as more than 170 swimmers entered the Alexandra Challenge Cup at Alexandra Pool over the weekend (February 15 -16).

The Alexandra Swimming Club (ASC) won the senior cup with the highest points scored for that category.

Meet announcer Chris Winter congratulated three senior ASC swimmers Sophie Winter, Liam Rees and Caleb Ludlow, for what may be their final swims in their home pool for a while.

Caleb Ludlow (18) is heading to Penwest university in Pennsylvania, the United States where he is taking up an athletic and academic scholarship, and Liam Rees (17) has shifted to Dunedin and is now swimming for Kiwi Swim Club.

Mum Shelley Ludlow said Caleb, who is heading away in August, is looking at a biology or chemistry degree and considering a career as a chemical engineer or in medicine.

“In the pool he is hoping to help his new team make University records and most importantly make new friendships and have a really amazing experience.”

Until he leaves, Caleb is working full time as a lifeguard, training and swimming in local events such as the Whakatipu Legend open water swim on March 22 and the New Zealand Swimming Championships in Auckland in May. 

Mum Bridgette Winter said Sophie had spent the summer in Italy at the World Ice Swimming Championships and gained a world open title in the 100m breaststroke and two silvers in 50m butterfly and 50m breaststroke. 

"This year she begins her tertiary study in Dunedin."

ASC head coach Ashleigh Rankin said she was thrilled with the club’s performance.

“It was great to see a lot of our young swimmers give racing a try, including a few first time racers. [The weekend was] a team bonding event.

“There were a couple of swimmers who it would have been their last home swim meet competing under Alex Swim Club, a mix of emotions but a wonderful weekend.” 

Thirty three ASC swimmers participated in 170 races over the weekend and the entry numbers were so high the club had all hands on deck to deliver a smooth meet. 

Swimmers from clubs across the South Island participated including Clutha United, Cromwell, Hokonui Aquatics, Johnston Waters, Kiwi, Mackenzie, Neptune, Oamaru, Queenstown, South Otago Sharks, Swim Timaru, Taieri, Waimea and Wānaka. 

ASC performances of note were; Faith Winter overall winner nine and under female swimmer, Benjamin Winter overall winner 12-13 year old male, Heidi Winter overall 16 and over female swimmer and former club member Liam Rees overall 16 and over male swimmer.

The ASC junior A relay team placed second, and the ASCO senior A relay team placed first.

Swimmers await their heats at Alexandra Pool. PHOTO: Swimming Otago

Dunedin based Kiwi Swim Club won the junior challenge cup. The senior and junior club trophies are awarded based on the total points accumulated by the top six athletes in each age group, gender, and individual event throughout the competition. These points are combined to determine the club with the highest overall junior and senior points.

Ashleigh said local swim meets were an opportunity to showcase swimmers’ talent and progression. 

“It’s not just for competitive swimmers, it’s a chance to see young swimmers emerge into something new and to do it with friends. There are races dedicated for those first timers and it's great to see them have a go regardless of age or level of competition.

“We also acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of all our other sponsors and local businesses, whose generosity helped make the event a success.”

Next are the South Island long course championships in Invercargill where Caleb Ludlow and Isaac Woodward will be racing. 

Younger club swimmers are heading to Dunedin for the New Zealand Junior Festival - Makos (March 7-9) and the New Zealand Division II competition in Auckland (March 21-23).

View results from the Alexandra Challenge Cup on Swimming Otago’s website

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