Swimming: NZ team looks strong

The New Zealand swim team warmed up for this week's world championships with some strong performances at the 40th Darmstadt International in Germany.

North Shore's Alison Fitch won the women's 400m freestyle, in a departure from her usual sprint events. Her time of 4m 22.49s was only a second outside her best.

Helen Norfolk took out the 400m individual medley in 4m 55.82s in an encouraging performance as she starts to taper for Barcelona.

Dean Kent, sidelined last week with a respiratory infection, showed he is on the mend with victory in the men's 400m individual medley.

His winning time of 4m 29.43 was outside his best, but it was a good showing as he recovers from illness.

Fitch, Hannah McLean and Cameron Gibson have reached the finals of the 50m freestyle.