Harbour Crossing: Ingram dives into a new challenge

Melissa Ingram has had a month off swimming. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Olympic swimmer Melissa Ingram admits she is not at her best but is excited about challenging New Zealand's best ocean swimmers.

Ingram, a former champion of the State Harbour Crossing in 2006, has been on the come-down after competing and briefly holding a Commonwealth Games record in Delhi in the 200m backstroke.

"I've had a month off swimming after competing at the Commonwealth Games and World Cup, so I'm not in my best shape but I'm looking forward to giving it my best and seeing what happens on the day," said the 25-year-old.

Ingram, who narrowly missed out on the 2004 Athens Olympics and overcame that disappointment to qualify for Beijing in 2008, believes the State Harbour Crossing is a one-of-a-kind race.

"It's special because there are a huge number of participants who take part in the event and they are of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities.

"Being an elite swimmer, it's fun to compete in an event which is largely about participation.

"I love seeing Kiwis in the water giving it a go, because it is a tough swim."

Ingram, who won a bronze medal in the 4x200m Freestyle relay at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, said the key to winning the State Harbour Crossing was navigation.

"It can be difficult to see where you are going when you are in the middle of the harbour, so try to have a landmark that you can follow during the swim."

She has good memories of her spectacular come-from-behind win four years ago.

"I remember the final 500m of the race because I was trying to catch the leader [Helen Norfolk].

"I was in a world of pain but managed to just sneak in for the win.

"Being a pool swimmer, it's fun to run through the ribbon that's held up for the winners at the end of the race."