Whakatāne High School kicked off the week with its annual swimming sports.

The day began with about 25 competitive swimmers – a mix of juniors and seniors – taking to the pool to battle it out across a range of disciplines.

The standout performer was Zandre Herbst, who claimed the crown in dominant fashion and set three new school records.

Herbst broke the open 200m freestyle record with a time of 2:00.85. The previous record of 2:05.02 was held by Aaryn Gandy and had stood since 2012.

He also won the intermediate boys three lengths freestyle (100m) in a time of 55.01, beating the record he set himself last year by 2.9 seconds.

Herbst completed the record-breaking trifecta by setting a new intermediate boys four lengths medley record with a time of 1:28.00, eclipsing the previous mark of 1:31.96 set by JD Rosett in 2017.

In the junior girls’ division, Maya Choudharey-Woodcock took first, followed by Azelle Stansloki in second and Renee Williams in third.

The junior boys’ title went to Hudson Worrall, with Flynn Watkins close behind in second.

In the intermediate girls’ section, Lucy McKay was first, Lesha Olsen, second, and Georgia Standen third.

The intermediate boys’ division was dominated by Herbst, with Ollie Peat second and Keelan Dawson, third.

In the senior girls, Nic Harland claimed first place, with Sincerely Wikitera in second and Mackenzie Reid third.

The senior boys’ title went to Zane Pearson, with Ethan Robison second and Isaak Feist and Luca Goodman sharing the remaining podium position.

The event showcased strong performances across all age groups.