WAIS Youngsters Ready to Make Big Splash

Australian swimming’s best age group swimmers between 13 and 17 will cross the Tasman this Sunday, as two Australian youth teams take on their New Zealand counterparts in the annual six-meet Trans Tasman series.

WAIS will be represented in New Zealand by 13 year-old Brianna Throssell and 15 year-old Adelaide Hart, whilst WAIS swimming coach Bernie Mulroy will lead the group as Head Coach.

The tour which last year unearthed Commonwealth Games debutants Yolane Kukla and Jayden Hadler will start at Mt Maunganui on Monday 5 July, move through to Taupo on 7 July and conclude at Masterton on Saturday 10 July.

The Australian Green and Gold youth teams will go head-to-head with a 20-strong New Zealand youth team in a three- way competition, racing for points over six meets, with two meets per location.

Head coach of the tour Bernie Mulroy from Western Australia sees great value in the youth tour that is now entering its eight consecutive year.

“The tour is a great educational process for the young swimmers and this is the first time it will be held on New Zealand soil,” said Mulroy.

“Not only does the tour help with education, it also aids in bridging the gap between the youth and senior team.”

“Last year’s tour provided valuable experience for young Jayden Hadler and Yolane Kukla, who have now progressed through to the Commonwealth Games team.”

Along with Kukla and Hadler, Beijing Olympic gold medallists Stephanie Rice, Jessicah Schipper, Emily Seebohm and Bronte Barratt have all used the Trans Taman tour as a springboard to further their international careers.

One young swimmer looking to emulate the feats of Hadler is 14-year-old Regan Leong from Townsville, who scooped the pool at this year’s Australian Age Championships taking away five gold and 3 silver medals.

– Swimming Australia