Swimming: Loader hopes to be NZ mentor

Forgotten double Olympic Games swimming gold medallist Danyon Loader is set to return to the sport in a mentoring role.

The double Olympic gold medal winner confirmed talks were underway with Swimming New Zealand about running coaching clinics for the country's elite swimmers.

Loader has been away from the sport for five years but spoke enthusiastically about his return while watching the New Zealand Spring Championships at the Kilbirnie Aquatic Centre in Wellington yesterday.

"I'm looking to get back involved in swimming to some level and am ready for more of those responsibilities," Loader told today's the Dominion Post.

"I've spent 14 years swimming, so obviously I know a little bit about it."

Loader is New Zealand's most successful swimmer. He won gold in the 200m and 400m freestyle at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and in 2003 became the first New Zealander to be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

He his back on swimming in 2000 and dropped out of the public arena but he said the timing felt right for a return to the sport with a fresh perspective.

"Now that I've been away from the public eye for so long, hopefully I can step back into it and make an impact," he said.

"But I've always said I will never become a coach and I still won't become a coach because I don't want the level of commitment, and it has never interested me, but I have a lot to offer."

Loader moved to Wellington six months ago and now works for a Petone commercial diving firm.

Swimming New Zealand chief executive Paul Veric said he had been in regular contact with Loader since his move to Wellington and was excited by the Olympic hero's likely return.

"Danyon is an outstanding swimmer with an incredible record," Veric said.

"At this stage any way in which he would like to be involved will be a huge benefit to us."

Veric said discussions with Loader were still at a preliminary stage but the signs were promising.

"Everything is moving at Danyon's pace, but just having his presence poolside will give swimmers a tremendous boost."

New Zealand butterfly specialist Moss Burmester said Loader would be a fantastic mentor and would add a new dimension to the sport.

"Just look at what he's achieved, he's been there and done it all before," Burmester said.

Swimming New Zealand director of coaching Clive Rushton said having Loader's experience close at hand for the national side would be a huge boost.

"He has reputation, success and experience, we welcome him with open arms," Rushton said.

- NZPA