Johnstone, Leslie & Sayer Lead New Zealand Medal Haul in Japan
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Competition Wrap - 2026 Para Swimming World Series (Fuji-Shizuoka)
A six-strong New Zealand team competed at the 2026 Para Swimming World Series meet in Fuji-Shizuoka, Japan, from 29 – 31 May. The team came home with six medals across the three days of racing, gaining valuable experience competing against strong international competition from Japan and beyond.
The six-medal haul included open silver and youth gold for Jessica Johnstone (St Peter's), open bronze for Cameron Leslie (Whangarei), and a full set of youth medals for Rylee Sayer (Hamilton Aquatics). Every member of the team had the opportunity to contest international finals racing, with the New Zealand team combining for seven A finals, five B finals and four youth finals across the meet.
Beyond the racing opportunities, the competition also allowed athletes to gain or renew their international classification.
16-year-old Jessica Johnstone (St Peter's) was among the standout performers, earning silver in the women's multi-class 100m breaststroke, and gold in the youth division of that event, with her finals performance of 1:19.35. For the Cambridge-based Para swimmer, it was the first taste of racing on the international stage and a valuable introduction to competing at this level ahead of this year's Para Pan Pacific Swimming Championships.
Johnstone loved every minute of her first opportunity to represent New Zealand on the international stage.
"It was a fabulous experience. I'm very thankful for my teammates, coaches and team manager – they've made the week so enjoyable."
Johnstone also touched on how the experience will assist her in the build up to Para Pan Pacs.
"It's been a useful experience to confirm classification and give me some racing experience in the lead up to Para Pan Pacs. I've had a fun first time representing New Zealand."
Joining Johnstone among the team's leading performers was Rylee Sayer (Hamilton Aquatics), who collected a complete set of youth medals across the meet. Sayer delivered a strong performance in the multi-class 400m freestyle, clocking 6:10.38 in the final to secure youth gold. The 17-year-old took youth silver in the multi-class 50m freestyle, and joined teammate Johnstone on the podium with youth bronze in the multi-class 100m breaststroke.
Cameron Leslie (Whangarei) was also in strong form, collecting bronze in the men's multi-class 50m backstroke and recording season-best times in two of his three events.
Leslie was pleased with how the weekend unfolded and the progress made across the competition.
"I've come here wanting a weekend of competitive racing, and I got that. Two season best times is the progress I hoped for – along with trying new race and stroke tactics looking ahead to LA2028."
Leslie also highlighted the quality of competition he has faced over the past month.
"It's been a perfect follow on from NZ Championships, where there was a lot of competition for finals and podiums, so I feel spoilt to have had so much racing experience this past month."
Charlotte Murphy (Aquagym), Gabriella Smith (Wharenui) and Asher Smith-Franklin (Coast) each made appearances in one A final, alongside a number of B or youth finals.
The performances in Fuji-Shizuoka provided valuable international racing experience for the New Zealand team as preparations continue for pinnacle international competitions later this year.
If you'd like to catch up on any of the action from the weekend, please use the links below to access the results and livestream replay.
Team
The swimmers that represented New Zealand in Japan:
Name | Club | Coach |
Jessica Johnstone | St Peter's | Alastair Johnson |
Cameron Leslie | Whangarei | Tom Onley |
Charlotte Murphy | Aquagym | Emma Smith |
Rylee Sayer | Hamilton Aquatics | Mat Woofe |
Gaby Smith | Wharenui | David Heyden (AUS) |
Asher Smith-Franklin | Coast | Michael Weston |
The support staff that guided our team were:
Name | Organisation | Role |
Simon Mayne | Swimming NZ | Head Coach |
Amanda White | Swimming NZ | Team Manager |
Graeme White | Team Physio |
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