Swimmer wins race to help teammate

A medal-winning swimmer at the Special Olympics Summer Games also had another success when he helped save a fellow-competitor.

Ben Motion was poolside at the games in Palmerston North last week watching a race when he saw that one of the competitors was in trouble.

Other spectators seemed to be focused on the race leaders, and Mr Motion realised he would have to act quickly to help the fellow Tauranga swimmer.

"He dove off the blocks and he just stopped," Mr Motion, 28, said. "It looked like he was having a panic attack.

"I looked at the lifeguard and he wasn't looking so I just jumped in."

Swimming coach Pat Wakelin said Mr Motion dove from the side of the pool, over the first lane barrier, under the second then surfaced next to the distressed swimmer six lanes away.

By that time, the lifeguard had noticed what was going on and had entered the water to help.

Mrs Wakelin said Mr Motion's actions were heroic.

"He was congratulated by officials, who said that was the most wonderful thing they'd ever seen for a teammate," she said.

Mr Motion was in the medley relay team which won gold at the games.

He also won a silver medal in the 50m freestyle and another silver in the 100m breaststroke.