Chatto Creek’s June Schaap (56) now holds three New Zealand swimming records after a golden swim in the 100 backstroke long course (LC) at the Pan Pacific Masters Games (PPMG) on the Gold Coast last month (November 10).

June won six medals at the PPMG: two golds for backstroke, two silvers and two bronzes in her other freestyle and butterfly events. 

She completed the 100m backstroke LC in a time of 1.20.68, to nab her third NZ record.

June with her medal haul from the Pan Pacific Masters in Australia in November

June is already the fastest in the country for 50m backstroke LC (in a 50m long pool) and in 50m backstroke for the short course (SC is in a 25m long pool) for her age group (55-59 years). 

There is one more record she’s targeting for next year, the 100m backstroke SC.

The NZ Swimming certificate with the record time

June trains with the Alexandra Swimming Club’s (ASC) competitive swimmers squad five times a week at Molyneux Pool. 

“I get a real buzz out of the training. I’m happy to work hard and I really like swimming.

“Now that I'm older there is more fun in it… and I enjoy the challenge of competing.”

June said training with teenagers a quarter of her age and younger does not faze her.

“We push each other along.”

The mum of three used to swim as a teenager and dove back into serious training after taking part in the 2017 World Masters Games in Auckland. 

ASC competitive swimmers had a successful showing at the Otago Long Course Championships in Dunedin this past weekend (December 9-11).

Liam Rees (15) broke an Otago age group record in the 100m backstroke LC with a time of 1.00.96 (previous record was 1:01.02, by Stephen Borkin set in 1998). 

Liam Rees, a local swimmer to watch and the first 15-year-old to go under 1.01 in 100m backstroke LC in Otago

June took another sliver off her record from PPMG, but her time of 1.20.38 has yet to be ratified by officials.

ASC swimmer Caleb Ludlow won the Festival Cup beating the competition by 0.12 seconds. 

The previous Pan Pacific Masters Games involved 16,000 athletes and supporters - participation equal to some of the world’s biggest sporting events such as the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games.

June said her experience as a pilates instructor helps her to give back to younger ASC members.

“I give the kids help and advice with training outside of the pool… that’s my contribution.”

ASC received a club of the year award for the second year running from Swimming Otago this year.

Head coach Shane leads a Monday night training 

For more information on ASC email.