National Records Broken

Three New Zealand short course and four Hawkes Bay–Poverty Bay provincial records fell to the onslaught of some of the country's most outstanding swimmers when they competed in an invitation open carnival at the McRae Baths on a recent Saturday night.

The good crowd which braved the prevailing adverse weather conditions was richly rewarded with undoubtedly the greatest display of swimming ever to be seen in Gisborne.

A fine exhibition of diving, and clown diving, was also witnessed.

The carnival was organised by the Olympic Pool Committee to help raise funds for their proposed swimming centre.

Alan Seager, of Auckland, the fastest medley swimmer in the British Empire, well on the way to a new record. He lopped 8.5 secs off his previous one

The two outstanding swimmers in the girls' under 16 years events were Janis Durand (H.B.) and Suzanne Woonton (Auck)

Off to a flying start in the boys' under 16 years 100 yards freestyle are Colin Haskin (Gisborne), Robbie Walker (Wellington), and John Palmer (Hawkes Bay).

The placegetters in the men's 100 yards freestyle are from left: Alan Seager (1st), Bruce Robertson, Auckland, the captain of the Empire Games swimming team, and bronze medallist at the games (4th), and Tony Pickett, Gisborne (2nd).

Robbie Walker of Wellington broke his own National record for the 220 yards freestyle by 0.2 sec.

John Palmer of Hawkes Bay lowered his National time for the 100 yards freestyle by 0.1 sec.

Janis Durand: 0.6 sec off her H.B.–P.B. record time for the under 16 girls' 220 yards freestyle

Top class New Zealand backstroker, Ricky Lowe, of Hawkes Bay

The chairman of the Olympic Pool committee, Or Barry Irvine, congratulating Alan Seager on his record-breaking swim.

Starters in the girls' 220 yards freestyle race take their marks. From left: Margaret Thompson (H.B.), Janis Durand (H.B.), Susanne Woonton (Auck), Christine Martin (Gis), and Helen Kearney (Gis).

Some of the divers from Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, and Waikato.

Michael McCredie

Cyril Buscke

Shona Buscke

Richard Swindell

Gay Morley

Robin Hood, Waikato, N.Z. men's runner-up

Wellington's two clown divers, Gordon Speedie and Arthur Brake, proved to be hilarious entertainers with their crazy antics. An item in their act was a triple somersault (pictured below), in which they were assisted by Richard Swindell.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 105 : March 21, 1963

National Records Broken