The 2026 New Zealand Short Course Championships were a record-breaking week for Hawke’s Bay Poverty Bay swimmers, with nine HBPB Age Group Short Course Records and a New Zealand Record set across four days of competition.

Alongside an outstanding haul of 27 medals, HBPB swimmers continued to make their mark on the national stage, breaking multiple records – including several that had stood for more than a decade.

Sam Skidmore Leads the Record Charge

Sam Skidmore of Trojans Swim Club was the standout record-breaker, setting an impressive four HBPB Age Group Short Course Records during the championships.

Sam broke the 17 Years records in:

• 100m Freestyle – 50.51

• 50m Butterfly – 24.38

• 50m Backstroke – 26.03

• 50m Freestyle – 22.94

His 50m Butterfly record of 24.38 replaced a mark that had stood since 2004, while his 50m Backstroke record of 26.03 broke a record that had stood since 2013.

Sam also lowered his own 17 Years 50m Freestyle record, improving from 23.12 to 22.94.

Two Records for Paige Franklin

Paige Franklin of CHB Swim Club also enjoyed a record-breaking championships, setting two HBPB records in the 18 Years age group.

Paige lowered the records in:

• 50m Breaststroke – 32.76

• 100m Breaststroke – 1:11.91

Her 100m Breaststroke swim improved the previous HBPB record of 1:12.70.

More HBPB Records Fall

Three further swimmers added their names to the HBPB record books.

Ruby Sisam (Heretaunga Sundevils) broke the 16 Years 50m Butterfly record with a time of 27.79.

Lola Stewart (Enterprise Cars Swim Team) set a new 15 Years 50m Breaststroke record in 33.38, lowering a mark that had stood since 2014.

Braden Turei (Heretaunga Sundevils) established a new 16 Years 50m Breaststroke record with a time of 29.90.

Lance Dustow Sets New Zealand Record

The biggest record of the championships came from Lance Dustow of CHB Swim Club, who produced an outstanding performance in the Multiclass 200m Backstroke.

Competing in the S19 classification, Lance stopped the clock at 2:39.86 to set a new New Zealand record.

It was a fantastic achievement for Lance and another highlight of an exceptional championships for HBPB swimmers.

A Championship Full of Milestones

The record-breaking performances added another layer to an already outstanding week for the region.

Across the championships, HBPB swimmers combined for 27 medals, including two Open relay silver medals, three age group golds, 12 age group silvers and 10 age group bronzes.

The records also highlight the depth of talent across the region, with swimmers from Trojans, CHB, Heretaunga Sundevils and Enterprise all making their mark in the record books.

Several of the records broken had stood for many years, making the performances even more significant and providing a lasting legacy from the 2026 New Zealand Short Course Championships.

Congratulations to Sam Skidmore, Paige Franklin, Ruby Sisam, Lola Stewart, Braden Turei and Lance Dustow, along with their coaches, clubs, families and supporters.

Nine new HBPB Records. One New Zealand Record. An incredible championship for Hawke’s Bay Poverty Bay swimming.