Swimming: Anderson relishes return to pool

Gisborne surf lifesaving star Glenn Anderson has returned to the swimming pool in style and indicated he's prepared for a crack at next year's Commonwealth Games.

The New Zealand surf ironman champion dominated the Greerton Invitational meet in Tauranga at the weekend, sweeping all freestyle distances between 50m and 400m and adding a second in the 200m medley.

Anderson has been based in Mooloolaba for the last four years while competing in the lucrative Australian professional series but shifted back to Gisborne in April to sharpen his swimming under coach Gary Martin.

The Greerton event was his first competitive event since he won the 200m title at the New Zealand nationals in 2001 and he was delighted with his progress.

"It's more of a refocus -- if you keep doing the same thing, eventually you're going to stop improving," Anderson said.

"I realised I had to pick my swimming up again so this is what I'm doing now. A lot of people have thought I've left the sport of surf lifesaving but all I'm doing is refocusing."

Anderson admits he was burned out after a huge surf season, but said he felt revitalised with his switch in focus and wants a crack at the Commonwealth Games trials in December.

"I'm training hard and doing some good miles in the pool and that's going to step up over the next 10-12 weeks because I'm planning on doing swimming nationals again. That will be interesting."

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES