The 2024 Zespri AIMS Games brought out the best in the NSS swimming team, with our athletes representing ten Auckland schools showcasing their talent in fierce competition. NSS fielded a large contingent, and their collective performance was nothing short of superb. Reflecting on the team’s performance, Monique Williams, Junior Head Coach was full of praise: "The team’s performance was superb. Seeing swimmers achieve personal bests in 78% of their races is a testament to their hard work and dedication. The standout performances by Lily Seber, who set three NSS records, and Grayson Coulter, who broke eight NSS and eight Auckland records, added to the excitement."
Racing to the Finish
In any competition, there are defining moments, and AIMS Games 2024 had plenty. From thrilling finishes to breakthrough performances, NSS swimmers kept the excitement alive. Monique recalled: "There were many standout moments, especially Grayson’s superb 200m freestyle to kick off the meet with a time of 1:54.64. For many of our swimmers, it was their first time competing, but they conquered their races and achieved massive time improvements. Even after long, gruelling days with multiple individual and relay events, PBs kept coming. The highlight for me was Hyunseo Lee’s gold medal battle in the 50m breaststroke — it was a thrilling race, and she never gave up." The team’s motto for the meet, “START FAST, FINISH FAST”, captured the spirit that drove every swimmer to fight through to the final touch of the wall.
Overcoming Challenges
Adapting to the chaos with 1,200 swimmers competing, the AIMS Games posed many logistical challenges. The first day was particularly chaotic, with crowded seating and packed warm-up lanes. Despite this, the NSS swimmers adapted quickly, showing their mental toughness and resourcefulness. "The chaotic atmosphere on the first day was overwhelming — finding seating, chaotic warm-ups — but our swimmers stayed focused and didn’t let it affect their races. Having skipping ropes for dryland warm-ups helped manage the situation," Monique explained.
Lessons Learned
The AIMS Games not only tested the swimmers’ athletic abilities but also offered valuable lessons in discipline, preparation, and teamwork. "The key lessons from this year’s competition were about being well-prepared, staying hydrated, and having good snacks to maintain energy through long sessions. The camaraderie was fantastic, even though our swimmers came from different schools. They supported each other throughout the competition."
Building Independence and Resilience
Monique observed significant personal growth in the swimmers over the course of the competition. The long sessions, many with multiple events, tested their endurance and mental resilience. "Some swimmers set personal bests in their very last races, showing their determination to push through. For others, it was a learning curve about pacing themselves and not sabotaging their future races. Watching them grow more self-sufficient — managing their time, sitting with their schools — was a proud moment for me as a coach."
Building on Success
Looking ahead, Monique hopes to build on the momentum from the AIMS Games and encourage swimmers to continue challenging themselves. "I hope the unity and support they showed each other during the Games continues. Competing in a variety of events as young swimmers is important, and I want them to know that entering tough races is a chance for growth. We’ll build on this experience for future meets."
Overall the 2024 Zespri AIMS Games highlighted the dedication, growth, and competitive spirit of the NSS swimmers. With new records, standout performances, and valuable lessons learned, the future looks bright for these young athletes as they continue to build on their success.
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