Thomas Griffin has only been competing in swim meets for the past two years but the Year 9 St Paul’s Collegiate School student is certainly making waves.
The young swimmer gained a national title at the New Zealand short course swimming championships after winning the under-13 400m free in 4:27. He also won silver in the 200m fly (2:27).
The 13-year-old trains for 12 hours each week, driven by success: “I like the rewards of swimming, winning trophies and beating my personal bests.”
Griffin hopes to take out the 400m title again at the upcoming New Zealand secondary schools championships and wants to improve on his fly time, although he is conscious of the added competition.
“I will be up against 14-year-olds [at the NZSS swimming championships] so it will be a harder event,” Griffin said.
Griffin’s medals were two of eight won by the St Paul’s Swimming Club at the short course championships.
The NZSS swimming championships will take place in from 11-13 September in Hamilton.
