Wee Waa's Harrison Bennett, Gunnedah's Jacob Smith and Tamworth City's James Ryan were among those to make a splash when the New England and North West Area Championships were held in Armidale on the weekend.
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Over 200 swimmers from 17 clubs across the region took to the water over what was a big two days with the area championships following on from the Speedo Sprint Heats on the Saturday morning.
More than 160 swimmers participated in the Speedo Sprints, which are more aimed at those that are new to swimming, NE&NW president Jeremy Deasey said. Swimmers who have either medalled at the state championships or qualified for the nationals are ineligible to compete.
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The area championships saw some great swims, with Bennett, Ryan and Smith all breaking multiple records.
Bennett topped the list with three, setting new benchmarks in the 14yrs boys 200m individual medley, and 50m and 100m backstroke.
Wee Waa's Jack Lowick (11yrs boys 50m butterfly), Glen Innes' Warne McShane (9&U boys 100m breaststroke), Tamworth City's Alex Hayes (girls open 200m breaststroke) and Armidale Alligators' Lara Moloney (16&0 girls 50m backstroke) also etched their names in the record books.
It was a very successful meet for the Wee Waa club.
Their 10&U boys 200m medley and freestyle relay teams also broke the record in their respective events, as did the Armidale Alligators' 12&U girls 200m freestyle, Tamworth City 14&U boys 200m freestyle and Alligators' open boys 200m freestyle teams.
The penultimate carnival for the area for the summer it was also the last chance for swimmers to qualify for this month's Country Championships.
A number did achieve qualifying times increasing the area's representation at the February 19-21 meet.
"We should have a strong contingent from the area going to country," Deasey said.
From the Speedo Sprints Finals will be held the Saturday two weeks after in Sydney.
Kootingal Moonbi had 10 swimmers qualify to compete, 360 Scully Park 11, Tamworth City eight and Swimming Gunnedah 12.
