Swimming On Right Lines

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31307, 1 March 1967, Page 15

Swimming On Right Lines

CANTERBURY'S competitive swimming standards have risen spectacularly since the bleak days in 1962, when the centre team's performance at the national championships in Naenae was the subject of an official probe. The display by the Canterbury team at the 1967 New Zealand title meeting in the Centennial Pool proved that the years of fluctuating performances are past. This season’s excellent effort, following the strong showing at Napier last year, confirmed the growing impression that Canterbury swimming is progressing along the right lines.

During the four days of concentrated competition in the Centennial Pool, Canterbury swimmers won seven gold medals, seven silver and four bronze in individual events, as well as gaining a first, a second and a third in relay finals. From 53 starts in beats, local competitors qualified

for finals on 32 occasions a clear indication of the collective worth of the side. Canterbury finished second to the powerful Auckland team in toe contests for toe Yaldhurst Shield (most titles). War Memorial Shield (most junior titles) and Freyberg Shield (most points).

It was evident that the training of many Canterbury swimmers was tapered correctly for the national meeting. Fifteen centre records were broken and one was equalled in toe four days' swimming, and several competitors achieved their personal best times.

Tui Shipston and A. K. Kindred were in a class of their own and Miss J. Wright also earned a special niche through her great versatility in pool and open water swimming. Her gold medal in the harbour swim and two silvers in backstroke and freestyle persuaded her to change her mind about retiring. Her talent has had a late flowering but she can look forward with confidence to 1967-68. The most heartening aspect of Canterbury’s performance was the excellent showing of the junior girls. Jill Nielson (silver) and Glenis Dacombe and Catherine Whiting (both bronze) were all medal winners in freestyle events, and victory in toe girls’ freestyle relay —in which Maureen Darcb played a part—proved that Canterbury has great depth in this section. It is gratifying for toe Canterbury selectors that Misses Dacombe, Whiting, Darch and Shona Hallam will be available for junior events next season.

A silver medal in the harbour swim was a just reward for the determined Miss R. McKenzie, and Max King confirmed the high promise he had shown at the Canterbury championships by taking third place in the boys’ 220 yards breaststroke. Not the least factor in the success of the Canterbury team Was the rapport which existed between the swimmers and their manager, Mr B. E. MacKenzie. As convener of the selection panel, Mr MacKenzie knew the strengths and weaknesses of his charges and, In the space of about a month, succeeded in whipping up tremendous team spirit. His presence at New Plymouth for next year’s title meeting is a necessity.