Swimming: Loader keeps coach in dark

By Terry Maddaford

National coach Brett Naylor is not holding his breath waiting for swim star Danyon Loader to decide his future.

Not considered, at his own request, for next week's Pan-Pac championships in Sydney, Loader has given neither Naylor or his personal coach Duncan Laing any commitment - one way or the other - over his Olympic plans.

Winner of Olympic gold in the 200m and 400m freestyle in Atlanta three years ago, Loader has been living in Christchurch for the past few weeks but apparently spending little time in the pool.

"I used to be very positive [about Loader's Olympic plans] but I'm not so sure now," said Naylor yesterday. "I spoke to Danyon a couple of weeks ago but he is sticking to himself.

"I think he is working in a restaurant or bar here in Christchurch. If he wants to swim at the Olympics he would need to be back in the water and committed to it pretty soon."

Laing said he has not spoken to Loader for nearly a month. "He went up to Christchurch when they closed the pool here for repairs," said Laing.

"I haven't seen him since but from what I can gather he isn't doing much [swimming]. He told me after the nationals [in March] he was not interested in the Pan-Pacs or world short course championships.

"We had a little programme worked out but it hasn't gone much further than that."