Two Whakatāne swimmers tested themselves against New Zealand’s best at the National Short Course Swimming Championships, held at the Sir Owen G. Glenn National Aquatic Centre in Auckland in September.

Chloe Gladwin and Zandre Herbst competed in multiple events, returning home with an impressive collection of medals, complemented by a few national and world records.

Gladwin, 18, fresh from competing at the Virtus Games in Thailand, struck gold in five disciplines and added a bronze in the 17-18-year girls’ 1500m.

On top of her medal haul, she also set eight world and national records in the IIR classification, cementing her place among the top of her class in the country.

Fourteen-year-old Zandre Herbst claimed gold in the 50m freestyle, setting a new Bay of Plenty record, along with silver in the 100m freestyle and bronze in the 50m butterfly.

Zandre was no stranger to the short-course event, having competed twice before, was happy with his performance. “I was hoping to defend my 50m freestyle title, so I’m really happy with that result.

“Overall, I did better than I expected, and I love swimming with an audience as it makes me go faster,” said Zandre.

Gladwin, on the other hand, prefers to tune out the noise and focus inward.

“For me, it’s about racing against myself. Once I’m in the water, I don’t hear anything, but I always pick someone I want to beat and make it my goal,” she said.

Both swimmers credit their coach, Mason Pickering, for their development and continued success.

“He’s a good coach he pushes you to do better,” they agreed.

Pickering is equally proud of his swimmers’ achievements and the example they set for younger club members.

With Gladwin now helping to coach junior swimmers while working toward a coaching qualification, inspiration at the Whakatāne Swim Club is in no short supply.