Hattrick of Age Titles for Kukla

WAIS athlete Yolane Kukla has completed a successful campaign at the 2013 Age National Championships in Adelaide, capturing three gold medals from three events.

Having earlier taken the 50m free title, Kukla returned to add the 17/18 100m freestyle and fly double.

Another WAIS scholarship holder in good form in Adelaide was Emily Kayser who swam the 17/18 years 800m freestyle for a silver medal.

London Olympian Kukla made a bold start to her two lap events, taking the 100m butterfly title with victory over Christina Licciardi and Samantha Abbott. Kukla (59.16) was strong out the blocks and maintained a slender advantage to the wall, with Licciardi (59.39) fractionally behind in second.

Kukla added further gold in the 100m freestyle after powering home first in a tight tussle with Southport swimmer Alexandra Purcell. With the duo almost stroke for stroke at the turn, Kukla dug deep to eventually edge past Purcell and hit the wall in 55.34. Purcell settled for silver in 55.77 with Japanese competitor Kotuku Ngawati picking up the bronze in 56.18.

Emily Kayser heads home with a silver medal from the 800m freestyle final, having finished behind defending champion Laura Crockart. Crockart was a well clear at the culmination, showing her liking for the distance events, whilst third place went to Hayley Anschau.

WAIS Swimming Performance Manager Greg Hodge said both girls could be pleased with their performances, particularly given their current training blocks.

“Both girls were un-tapered for this meet and used it as a warm up for the World Trials in Adelaide from April 26 – May 3,” he said. “It shows they’re on track for some good performances.”