Alexandra Swimming Club (ASC) has won three gongs at the annual Swimming Otago awards after another strong year for the club.

Head coach Shane Allan was named coach of the year and two ASC swimmers competing at national level Heidi Winter and Caleb Ludlow won the emerging swimmers of the year titles. 

Shane’s award recognises outstanding contribution to the sport over the 2022/23 season. It takes into account swimming performances, broader services to the sport and their relationship with the region.

It is the second time he has received this award, the last time being 2020. 

ASC swimmer Caleb Ludlow (right) with bronze in 200m breaststroke at the 2023 NZ short course champs in the Hawkes Bay in August. PHOTO: Swimming Otago

Heidi Winter (14) is following her sister Sophie’s lead. Sophie won emerging swimmer of the year in 2022 at age 15. 

Heidi finished on the podium in the 100m freestyle at national age group championships earlier this year and won two silver medals at the 2022 New Zealand Short Course Championships.

Fifteen year old Caleb Ludlow nabbed emerging swimmer of the year after winning four medals at the 2022 New Zealand short course Championships, becoming the open South Island long course champion in the 200m breaststroke.

He placed tenth in the 200m breaststroke at the New Zealand Championships, the pinnacle swimming event of the season.

ASC secretary Shelley Ludlow said they were so pleased their coach and swimmers were recognised with the awards. 

In 2022 ASC was named club of the year for the second time running by Swimming Otago. This year Dunedin’s Neptune Swim Club secured that honour. 

 Ashleigh Rankin (left) is joining Alexandra Swimming Club as new coach, while Heidi Winter, outgoing head coach Shane Allan and Caleb Ludlow celebrate a season of success. PHOTO: The Central App

After many years of support Shane is stepping down and ASC has a new head coach. Stay tuned to The Central App for a profile of the new coach in a few days. 

The swimming club was formed in February 1920, when it was originally named Alexandra Coronation Swimming Club. There are about 70 swimmers in the club’s various squads.