Halcombe Student’s Swimming Success Across the Ditch
Travelling from his home in Halcombe, Feilding Agricultural High School student Jonty Howland attended the Tri Series in Ballarat Australia from Thursday 10 – Saturday 12 July. Supported by MDC’s Representative Fund, Howland spoke at Council, sharing his experience at the swimming event across the ditch.
Between New Zealand, Victoria and Western Australia teams, the Tri Series challenged swimmers' skills and promoted personal and professional growth. The competition introduces swimmers to a competitive environment, developing their ability and confidence. The New Zealand team was split into two groups, ‘NZ White’ (New Zealand Youth Development Team) and ‘NZ Black’ (New Zealand Youth Team). Howland was part of ‘NZ White’, and the only Manawatū represent from the New Zealand team – which he was very proud of.
He met his team of a few familiar faces in Auckland, and that night barely slept from nerves and excitement. After a 5am wakeup call for their flight to Melbourne, they met the Western Australia and Victoria teams, and Howland said the socialising with his peers was just as rewarding as the swimming. He was amazed at “the pride, the nerves, the wow factor”, and enjoyed working as a team with the kiwi swimmers he would usually be competing against. “I realised after that I didn’t take any photos, I was too in the moment” Howland commented. He shared his gratitude for his coach, giving plenty of tips and tricks for swimming and his independence in an unfamiliar environment. There were Commonwealth Olympic Coaches who gave insight and feedback to the swimmers, as Howland explained the mental growth was “mindblowing”, as he made plenty of new personal bests.
His learnings from the event reinforced his gratitude for his friends, family and Council’s support, helping him travel overseas to achieve his goals. He hopes to attend another international swimming meet and represent New Zealand and frequently shares his swimming updates on his Facebook page. Mayor Helen Worboys congratulated Howland on his positive, motivating attitude and achievements. MDC is proud to have supported Jonty Howland through the Representative Fund, to represent the Manawatū District overseas, achieve his goals and make the most of the professional and personal growth.
The New Zealand team at the Tri Series in Ballarat, Australia. Jonty Howland is pictured front row on the far left.