By Jonathan Leask  March 12 2010

The five girls who medalled at the national age grade championships last weekend will need to step it up again at Easter when they compete in the open nationals which doubles as the Commonwealth Games trials.

After claiming four titles and breaking a national age grade record, Josie Kydd will be stepping out of the under 15 age bracket to compete at the open
nationals where age is not a factor, just speed.

Kydd and Lizzie Brown have recorded times fast enough times in the butterfly to be very competitive.

Sarah O'Grady has also been putting up some good times and could push for a top ten finish in the 400m and 800m freestyle events.

So far this season the group have been competing in their respective age groups apart from when the combine for the relays.

The Open Nationals will be a big step up but they will all be competitive and some should push for places in the finals, swimming coach Carl Gordon said.

At this stage Ashburton will be represented by Kydd, Lizzie and her sister Amanda Brown, O'Grady, Danyelle Lusty and Grace Sommerville.

However, next weekend a group of eight Ashburton swimmers will head to the national division two championships, where if they record fast enough times they too could be making the trip to the open nationals.

Pictured: Ashburton swim teams national age grade medallist (from left) Grace Sommerville, Lizzie Brown, Josie Kydd, Danyelle Lusty and Sarah O'Grady. - Photo Carmen Rooney 110310-CR-024