Fiona Newell top qualifier for swimming championships in 1973........

Brett Naylor and Fiona Newell, gained top seedings in those that qualified for the national winter swimming championships in August 1973.  Fiona was the fastest qualifier in two events, the 100 metres and 200 metres.  Naylor was top qualifier in the men's 400 metres freestyle.

Southland was proud to have nine that qualified for the championships and Naylor had his work cut out for him as he was just ahead of his ace rival, Martin Craig.

Other Southland qualifiers were:

​

Keith Rayner, Alexander Beaton, Dianne Sangster, Lorraine Cavanagh, Jennifer Pascoe, Prudence Poole and Terry Balloch.