Amsterdam

My journey began with a stopover in Amsterdam, so that I could get used to the different time zones. It felt like I had travelled from winter in New Zealand into the heart of summer in Europe.

I thought to myself. I’ve got this!! I can do this even though I was a little scared.

My first chance to get back swimming in Amsterdam was in the Amstel River with swans. What an adventure.

That was because The Netherlands was on holiday (called Pinksteren), and the pools were closed. Get that!!

I also had the opportunity to train with a Dutch Coach and I was able to see how best to improve my swimming technique by looking at underwater video clips. It was very cool. I learnt a lot. 

Vichy

Vichy was a beautiful city and a wonderful place to be and it was awesome to join the NZ team of 10 swimmers, Josh (athletics) and Alfie (table tennis).

I had done some research before going and knew what to expect. But it was very hot and the pool was outside. We didn’t have any shade so I found that very hard. The air temperature was around 38-40 degrees and the water was sometimes 33 degrees. It was like swimming in a spa pool.

The swimming competition was for 5 days, Monday to Friday. 

My 6 races were all on Day 2, 3 and 4 (unlucky), and although I improved my World Rankings, I didn’t reach many of the PB’s I had achieved in NZ at Nationals and at the Virtus Oceania Games in Brisbane. This was partly due to the heat, and not having enough GF food to sustain me. I fainted on day 1!!!!!!

I was disappointed by this but happy to have got more competition experience and world experience. I have loved being part of TeamNZ and appreciate the support of the coaches and of course my mum Angelique.

My goal was to be in the top 20 in the world so I have achieved this in 3 events as an II2 swimmer.

My Results

My results and new World Rankings II2 category for Para swimming. 

• 200m Free – 19th world placing 

• 50m Back – 19th

• 50m Free – 24th

• 100m Free – 22nd

• 50m Breast – DQ

• 200m IM – 18th PB 

Relay Racing with GB

A highlight for me on Day 4 and Day 5 of competition was being able to be in 2 relays with the GB team. 

It was so exciting and they were so supportive and inclusive. The biggest thank you to TeamGB for this opportunity and the new friendships. And I could keep the GB cap. I feel very proud.

4x50m mens II2 medley. I was the 4th swimmer so swam the last Freestyle leg. I was super fast. 

4x100m mixed II2 medley. Again I was the last swimmer and swam like a rocket. We came home 6th in the final. Super exciting.

My relay swim was the last of the competition for a New Zealand swimmer (thanks for staying to watch coach Glen). I took 6 seconds off my 100m free time earlier in the week. Imagine what my world ranking would have been then!!!! It was great to finish this competition on a high. 

Video of Luka’s leg of GB relay race.

My Learning

I have learnt a lot about how to prepare and be successful if I do another major competition.

I know to drink a lot and take my own food to International swim meets.  France is all about bread (I’m sure that’s yum), and that doesn’t work if you have celiac disease. AND just maybe I should have trained in a sauna before going.

Thank you everyone who has supported me on this swimming adventure.