Loader has surfaced to lead relay leg

Double Olympic gold medallist Danyon Loader has emerged from "under the radar" to lead the New Zealand leg of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games' Queen's Baton Relay.

Loader, who has deliberately avoided publicity in recent years after winning two swimming golds at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, said he was looking forward to the opportunity to be the face of the relay.

"It is something I have never done before, which is always exciting. I have always had fond memories in my heart for the Commonwealth Games. The 1990 Games in Auckland was the first time I went to Auckland, as a 14-year-old," Loader said.

The baton left Buckingham Palace in March last year and begins its New Zealand trek in Christchurch on Thursday morning.

On Monday the baton will spend the day in Auckland when New Zealand's team uniform for the 2006 Melbourne games is unveiled.

The baton will finish its journey in Melbourne on March 15.

Loader is currently self-employed in Wellington "and always looking for other opportunities". He spends some of his time mentoring young swimmers and speaking to sporting groups.

While he still wanted to be involved in the sport, he has no interest in getting back in the water: "I wouldn't expose anyone to me in Speedos any more."