Dunboyne student makes a splash

Updated: Wednesday, 10th February, 2010 4:58pm

NAC Swimmer Kyle Stolk in action at Dutch National Age Group Swimming Championships where he took gold and set a new Dutch record in the 200m freestyle.

Dunboyne student Kyle Stolk won a highly impressive six gold medals at the Dutch National Age Group Swimming Championships in Heerenveen, Holland.

Stolk, who trains under triple Paralympic medallist David Malone at the National Aquatic Centre, took top honours in the 50m, 100m, 200m and 400m freestyle events as well as the 100m and 200m butterfly in the 13/14 age group category.

He took second spot in the 200m individual medley missing out on gold by just 0.25 seconds.

He also knocked over a second off the Dutch national record in the 200m freestyle, a feat achieved by former Olympic Champion, Pieter van den Hoogenband at his age. Stolk, who holds joint Dutch and South African citizenship, has been living and training in Ireland for almost three years.

"It was truly an extraordinary performance from Kyle," commented Malone.

"It was great to see him competing so well against some of the best in Europe. Kyle has been working hard, he is really enjoying his swimming and these results are a testament to his commitment and dedication in the pool."

Commenting on his performance Stolk added:

"I am really pleased with my results and I would like to thank my coach, Dave Malone for bringing me this far. I had lots of fun at the meet and made good friends.

"It was a great experience for me," stated the student at St Peter's College, Dunboyne.

Stolk, who lives in Hollystown and attended Kilbride primary school is no stranger to success in local competitions having bagged six gold medals at last year's Irish Age Group Championships at the 100m, 200m, 400m as well as the 100m and 200m butterfly and the 200m individual medley.

Stolk's victories and times at Heerenveen were: gold - 50m freestyle (25.66 seconds); gold - 100m freestyle (55.56); gold - 200m freestyle (1 min 58.97, setting a Dutch national age group record); gold - 400m freestyle (4:19.93); gold - 100m butterfly (1:01.43 just outside the Dutch national record of 1:00.77 and second fastest in his age group); gold - 200m butterfly (2:20.43); silver - 200m individual medley (2:16.52) just missing out on gold by 0.25 seconds.

For more information about the NAC Swim Club log onto www.nacswimclub.com.