Year 11 learner Laura Menzies (Ngāi Te Rangi) won seven medals, including three gold, at the New Zealand secondary schools swimming championships in Hamilton last week, but it was only the most recent achievement in a string of victories for her.

Laura, who says she's been in the water since a very early age (think six months old!), didn't get into competitive swimming until the relatively late age of 12, but has been thriving, particularly in her favoured backstroke events.

At the New Zealand age group championships in Hastings earlier this year, Laura racked up golds in 100m backstroke and 200m backstroke, along with a second place in the 50m backstroke. Her 100m backstroke was particularly notable as she turned in the fastest time of all competitors, not just in her age group. Ever the workhorse, Laura also competed in 50m freestyle, 50m butterfly, 200m and 400m individual medley, and 200m freestyle at the championships.

Based off her incredible performances at that event, she was selected on the New Zealand which travelled to Australia in the most recent school holidays and competed in the tri-series meets against swimmers from states across Australia. Named "Swimmer of the Day" across two days of competition, Laura won the 100m and 200m backstroke events on each occasion.

It may be difficult to believe, but Laura says she wasn't particularly interested in competing when she was younger.

"Most of my friends at the time were competing, and enjoying it lots, so I decided to give the competitive experience a go," she says.

Laura's star has risen quickly, and she made the decision in November 2024 to move from Selwyn Swim Club to Christchurch-based Wharenui.

"It was a really good decision," she says. "I haven't looked back. The atmosphere is great, and I'm achieving so many goals I never thought I would be able to achieve."

Laura packs in eight sessions in the pool each week, as well as two gym sessions to support her strength and conditioning.

She says her favourite event is the 200m backstroke: "I'm always able to perform well in this race, and I know how to put together a successful race plan to help me win national titles and medals."

At the recent secondary schools championships, one of her wins came in the 200m back, where she sliced almost a second off her personal best. She also claimed titles in the 400m freestyle and 100m individual medley.

Laura has big goals in the sport, aiming to make more New Zealand teams including the Commonwealth Youth Games and the Olympic Games. She's already been named in the Swimming Canterbury West Coast 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Pathway squad.

Laura was named Rolleston College's MVP for swimming, and awarded the junior achievement in sport award at last year's sports prizegiving. We are super proud of Laura's achievements and her dedication to her craft.

Her advice for other aspiring athletes is to set goals and work hard to achieve them.

"You have to be willing to give whatever it takes to achieve your goals. Good results don't come easy!"

Laura's family has set up a Givealittle page to support her swimming endeavours.