One to watch

05 Sep 2018

With not one, not two, but three New Zealand selections – in swimming, surf lifesaving and water polo – it is clear Year 12 student Louis Clark is an accomplished young athlete to watch.

Louis was a member of the New Zealand team that came second at the Sanyo International Lifesaving Cup at Momochi Seaside Park in Fukuoka, Japan, from 23–24 June. According to a Surf Lifesaving New Zealand report on the first day of the competition, Louis “obliterated a field of seasoned and very talented swimmers to end the day undefeated over all swim events”.

After a brief hiatus, Louis then headed to Montenegro with the New Zealand Water Polo Youth team for a three-week training camp prior to the World Men’s Youth Water Polo Championships, held in Szombathely, Hungary, from 11–19 August. It was a very tough competition, however, the New Zealand team won three out of its seven games and finished 14th overall.

Now, Louis is busy catching up on schoolwork, as well as focusing on swimming and his place in the New Zealand Swimming High Performance National Squad. “I fit things in when I can. It’s pretty much school or sport at the moment, and that’s it.”

Louis shrugs off the hours of training and commitment necessary to reach the highest levels of competition, saying the rewards far outweigh the work. “It’s an honour to be selected to represent New Zealand. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity.”

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