For the first time in almost 10 years the Wānaka Swim Club (WSC) has won the annual Club Championship Shield, wresting it from defending champions Queenstown Swim Club at Queenstown’s home pool last weekend (September 17-18).

The decisive victory over nine other clubs from as far afield as Dunedin and Invercargill was particularly sweet as QSC has held the shield for a number of years but Wānaka hasn’t won it since 2013.

WSC Coach Cameron Stanley said none of the team of 23 WSC swimmers were club members back then so the experience was one to savour.

 “It was a pretty decisive win as we got close to double their points score in the end,” he said.

The meet was for swimmers of all ages, from 10 years and under through to 17 years and older, and many WSC swimmers achieved personal best times (PBs) to secure the shield for Wānaka, he said.

“It was definitely a team effort with great performances across the board.”

“The PBs were well spread and we definitely have the depth to win the shield again next time…we have plenty of younger ones coming through [and] I'm sure Queenstown will be keen for revenge, so I'm sure the next competition will be a close battle.”

Most of the swimmers from Central Otago who competed at NZ Nationals Finals recently also competed last weekend but the “real standout was the high level of skills and technique of Wānaka swimmers compared with other clubs at the competition”, Cameron said. 

WSC swimmers dominated the competition’s four team relay races (12/u Medley and Freestyle and 13/o Medley and Freestyle), winning all four.

“The relays were definitely a highlight,” he said.

The shield will be engraved over the next few weeks, Cameron said, but he hoped that eventually it would be put on display in Wānaka.

PHOTO: Supplied