Records Fall and Talent Shines on Opening Night in Hawke's Bay
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Day One Wrap – 2026 NZ Age Group Swimming Championships
The first finals session of the 2026 NZ Age Group Swimming Championships saw national records broken, a dominant distance display, and relay action that brought the crowd to its feet.
One of the headline performances at the Hawke's Bay Regional Aquatic Centre came from North Shore's Grayson Coulter, who broke the 14 years NZ age record twice on the opening day to win the men's 14 years 100m butterfly in 56.09. The youngster was one to watch heading into the championships and he delivered on day one, splitting a quick 26.51 at the turn before powering home to lower Cameron Jones' record from 2011 by more than a second over the course of the day.
Other age winners across the men's 100m butterfly included Reagan Liang (North Shore) in the 13 years in 1:02.44; Michael Chen (Parnell) in the 15 years in 56.71; and Caleb Yin (United) in the 16 years in 57.37.
The women's event saw a particularly strong performance from 13-year-old Indie Herbert (Parnell) to take the national title in the youngest age group, clocking 1:03.33 to finish just over a second outside of Sophia Batchelor's NZ age record from 2009. Jade Lyles (Phoenix Aquatics – 1:05.03) took gold in the 14-year-old age group and Alanna Rawson (St Peter's – 1:02.78) won the 15 years age title. Tahitian visitor Deotille Viideau was first to the wall in the 16-year-old age group, while Kiri Yamagami (United – 1:03.72) took gold for the New Zealanders.
Chloe Gladwin (Whakatāne) produced a standout performance in the multi-class 100m butterfly, breaking the S19 NZ record twice in a single day – culminating in a 1:11.20 swim to secure the national title. Summer Vincent (S14 – Dannevirke) finished second in 1:42.02.
In the men's equivalent, Preston Maxwell (S14 – Nga Tai Tuatea a Taraika) was dominant, clocking 1:10.06. Jonty Howland (S6 – Dannevirke) took silver in 1:44.80, with Lucas Robins (S9 – Otaki Titans) rounding out the podium in 1:27.38.
In the sprint action, SwimZone Racing's Madeleine Wilson was in a league of her own, finishing in 26.24 to claim the 16 years 50m freestyle national title. The 15 years title was won by Octavia Mahoney (United – 26.77), while Fijian visitor Grace Khelan won gold in the 14-year-old age group ahead of Jade Lyles (Phoenix Aquatics – 27.06) who was the first Kiwi to the wall. 13-year-old Indie Herbert (Parnell) earned her second national title in as many events, finishing in 27.49.
Coast Swimming Club's Liam Curling delivered on his pre-championship billing, winning the men's 16 years 50m freestyle in 23.32 – just 0.17 seconds outside the qualifying mark for the Junior Pan Pacific Swimming Championships. Curling's teammates Donald Tian (23.79) and William Sun (26.05) secured gold in their respective 15 years and 13 years finals, while Grayson Coulter (North Shore – 24.12) blocked a Coast Swimming Club sweep of the men's 50m freestyle titles with another convincing win in the 14-year-old age group.
Quinn Pike (Hamilton Aquatics) delivered another record-breaking swim in the women’s multi-class 50m freestyle, lowering the S19 NZ record to 29.60 in a dominant performance. Chloe Gladwin (S19 – Whakatane – 31.32) took silver, while Emily Mullany (S19 – Dannevirke – 33.24) rounded out the podium in third.
Thomas Magill (S19 – Papamoa) won the men's multi-class event in 28.22. Charlie Alderton (S19 – St Paul's) earned silver in 29.57, ahead of Preston Maxwell (S14 – Nga Tai Tuatea a Taraika) in bronze with a time of 28.58.
Paige Conley (Whanganui) was the standout in the 800m freestyle, blasting nearly 11 seconds off her entry time to win in 9:11.10 and claim the 16 years national title. Sadie Percy (Pirates – 9:23.00) dropped more than eight seconds off her entry time to take the 15-year-old national title, while Hope Wang (Phoenix Aquatics – 9:19.60) earned gold in the 14 years age group. The 13-year-old title came down to a sprint finish, with Sophia Kivileva (Wharenui – 9:29.50) coming out on top to take her first national title of the championships.
The men's 1500m freestyle produced equally impressive performances. Tahitian visitor Enoa Vial (16:22.63) was first to the wall in the 16-year-old age group, with Soeren Wells (Wharenui – 16:40.07) taking gold for the Kiwis. Tyler Lushkott (North Shore – 16:28.66) used his strong open water swimming form to take the national title in the men's 15 years age group, while teammate Dominic Barton (16:51.45) won gold in the 14-year-old age group. Tahitian visitor Malachy Adams (17:00.48) was the fastest of the 13-year-olds, with Nathan Hu (Tawa – 17:43.36) claiming gold for the Kiwis.
The relays brought the crowd to life to close out the evening. In the 13 - 14 years 4x100m medley women's final, Phoenix Aquatics (4:30.88) were a cut above the rest, beating United 'A' (4:42.61) and North Shore 'A' (4:43.50). In the men's equivalent, Parnell 'A' (4:07.74) were the winners, holding off North Shore 'A' (4:08.90) and Coast (4:15.63).
Across the 16 and under relays, United (4:25.28) took out the women's 4x100m medley, with Wharenui (4:31.54) and Parnell (4:38.53) completing the podium. In the men's event, Wharenui (3:53.77) edged out Nga Tai Tuatea a Taraika (3:57.79) and Parnell (3:57.97) in a tightly contested finish.
Congratulations to all swimmers who won medals, made finals and recorded personal bests on opening night. Racing continues on Thursday 9 April with the 100m freestyle, 200m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 400m individual medley and 4x50m freestyle relay. Heats coverage begins at 8.25am, with finals from 4.50pm.
You can stay up-to-date across the championships via our social and digital channels of Facebook, Instagram, our website and via the livestream brought to you by Māori+. There are limited tickets still available for some sessions if you'd like to have the best seat in the house and watch from poolside.
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