These were held in the Challenge Stadium, an impressive facility boasting three 50-metre pools, a diving pool and a water polo pool. The swimming competition was held in the two Olympic pools, one indoor and one outdoor. Like the champs held in Riccione, Italy four years ago the women and men swam separately, alternating between the indoor and outdoor pools.

With over 5,000 competitors it was inevitable there would be a few administrative hassles. We were disappointed at not having a printed programme. Heat sheets were not available until the afternoon prior to our races and sometimes not until the day of the race. However this was more than compensated for by the friendly and helpful officials, new friends made from around the world, the wonderful stadium facilities, the keen competition in the pool and the results the New Zealanders achieved.

Our swimmers had an impressive medal tally and 61 New Zealand records and one world record were broken. There were many New Zealand swimmers who achieved Top Ten placings and the exciting racing and PBs at all levels showed how an event like this brings out the best in us all.

NZ Medal Tally

Our Gold Medal winners

More results are in our latest Masterscrawl and in the results section of our website.

The open water swimming event took place on the Swan River on Anzac Day. In spite of ambitious statements about the conditions, the temperature of the water and the jellyfish made for a challenging rather than enjoyable 3 km swim.

The next FINA World Champs in 2010 will be held in Sweden. You have two years to get yourself into top form and save your dollars.

Sue Pollard

Vice-President, NZMS