Harry Bennett blows the competition out of the water in Gunnedah

Narrabri swimming star Harry Bennett has dominated in the pool again, this time excelling at both the Swimming New England North West 2020 Speedo Sprints Series Heats and the Swimming New England North West Long Course Area Championships which were both held at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool on Saturday and Sunday.

The 13-year-old, who swims for the Wee Waa Swimming Club, entered 15 events across those two meetings and won all 15.

In the Speedo Sprint heats on Saturday Harry won the 13-years 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke and 50m butterfly, which saw him qualify for the February 29 finals series at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

The area championships were then held on Saturday afternoon and continued on Sunday.

Harry, who is a member of Karla’s Swim Team, entered 11 events at that meet and won gold medals in all 11.

Related: Team Wee Waa competes at Speedo Spirit heats and long course area champs

He also broke seven area records, one of which was the 100m freestyle record which had stood for 21 years.

The other races which he entered and won were the 13-years 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 50m butterfly, 100m
backstroke, 100m breaststroke, 100m butterfly, 200m freestyle, 200m individual medley and 200m backstroke.

Karla’s Swim Team head coach Karla Carruthers told The Courier that breaking records at the area championships was Harry’s goal for the weekend.

“Going into area championships I knew Harry wouldn’t have much competition in his age group so during the week we looked at what the records were and together we set that as our target goals for the races over the weekend,” Carruthers said.

“I was so happy with him being able to get seven out of 11 records on the day.

“Some of the swimmers who previously held the records have gone on to swim at national age level, so that’s exciting.

“The 100m freestyle was a 21 year old record so that was a great achievement in itself.

“I was happy with Harry’s 50m backstroke time as well. He swam it well and went under 33 seconds for the first time which is good going into speedo sprint finals and school racing.

“Harry’s now focused on NSW country which is now only 10 days away.”