Longest swim for Cameron

One of New Zealand's best long distance female swimmers, Masterton-born Kirsten Cameron, will tackle her longest swim challenge when she competes in the Fiji Swims 19km Westin Island Resort and Spa Denarau to Beachcomber Island race on August 23.

A member of the Masterton Masters swim group, Cameron began competitive swimming at the age of 30. She is a world record holder in Masters swimming in both the 30-34yrs and 35-39yrs age groups and she was the 2009 national champion for the women's 10km open water swim.

Like all goal-oriented athletes, Cameron has undertaken an arduous training programme in readiness for her Fiji excursion.

Together with her boyfriend support paddler she has been covering up to 60km a week and hopes to complete this event in around 4hrs 30mins.

The Fiji Swims is no stranger to competitive New Zealand swimmers. In 2011, Christchurch-born Louise Stevenson completed a double crossing from Denarau to Beachcomber Island in 9hrs 45mins to raise funds for Christchurch earthquake victims.

"I am excited to test myself in the longest swim I have done, and particularly in the gorgeous tropical waters of Fiji," said Cameron.

"The race organisers tell me I'll be swimming between tropical islands over coral reefs teeming with fish!"

Among others swimming this year are three-times Olympic gold medallist Shane Gould and 1996 Atlanta Olympics 400m swimmer Malcolm Allen, joining social and serious swimmers from across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Fiji and the USA.

And two shorter 2.7km and 1km swims between Beachcomber and Treasure Islands offer a choice for everyone who has flown in for the Fiji Swims.