Swimming: NZers up against it at PanPacs

New Zealand swimmers will step into the lions' den against many of the world's best when the Pan Pacific Championships begin in Victoria, Canada tomorrow.

The New Zealand team are using the meet to kick-start their preparations towards the world championships at Melbourne in March next year.

With many swimmers taking a lengthy break after the Commonwealth Games, head coach Jan Cameron was not expecting record-breaking performances from her squad.

The meet will provide some vital international racing and a clear litmus test as they plan towards Melbourne and on to the 2008 Beijing Olympics as they will come up against the world's best including Americans Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin.

The New Zealanders have prepared well at Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, and enjoyed the hospitality from the small community.

"It was a beautiful spot and we spent time interacting with the local community and local swimmers," Cameron said.

"The facilities were excellent. The squad trained well and we also did some light resistance and strength work with our strength coach Brad Conza. Keeping the bodies on track is an essential part of our approach."

While the Australians have spelled some of their stars, including Leisel Jones and Lisbeth Lenton, Cameron was under no illusion about the level of competition this week in Victoria.

"The competition will be fierce with the recently qualified US team here at full strength along with the Australians, Canadians and Japanese," she said.

"We are looking for some good swims. This racing opportunity is invaluable for us to learn what must be done as we prepare for the world championships next March on our way to Beijing."

First up will be Helen Norfolk, an in-form Lauren Boyle and Alison Fitch in the 200m freestyle, where they will come up against top American Katie Hoff and Australia's Linda McKenzie.

Eight of the New Zealand men will compete in the heats of the 200m freestyle while Hannah McLean, Melissa Ingram and Liz Coster are in the heats of the 100m backstroke against world champion and record-holder Coughlin.

Cameron Gibson, Dean Kent and John Zulch will also contest the heats of the 100m backstroke where the top qualifier is American Aaron Perisol, while Manchester gold medalist Moss Burmester and Andrew McMillan contest the heats of the 200m butterfly where the top seed is world record holder Phelps.

Bryn Murphy completes the New Zealand programme on the first morning in the timed final of the 800m freestyle.

The meet continues until Monday.

- NZPA