Erika Fairweather has brought her world-class form back to the national stage.
The 18-year-old Neptune swimmer comfortably won the women’s 400m freestyle on day two of the national championships in Auckland.
Fairweather finished in 4min 4.37sec, claiming both the Otago and New Zealand 18-years records in the process.
It was also the sixth-fastest time in the world this year and leaves Fairweather well placed ahead of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Only Australians Ariarne Titmus and Kiah Melverton have gone faster of those from Commonwealth countries.
The time was 2sec off the mark Fairweather posted nine months ago to qualify fourth for the final at the Tokyo Olympics.
Neptune’s Caitlin Deans also had a strong showing in the race, following in Fairweather and Auckland’s Eve Thomas to claim bronze in 4min 15.76sec.
Ruby Heath made it three in the top five for Neptune, the open water and longer-distance specialist finishing in fifth place in 4min 22.69sec.
Wanaka’s Ben Silipo and Neptune’s Curtis Mellsop had Otago’s other best performances, finishing sixth and seventh respectively in the men’s 400m freestyle.
