Swimming: Storm causes delays

The start of New Zealand's world swimming championship campaign has been delayed after an unseasonal storm damaged the course for the open water swim.

Alannah Jury, 17, has had to wait a further two days after the open water competition was postponed in Rome.

Strong winds and heavy surf this week at Ostia, venue for the open water events, destroyed the pier as well as structures for timing and television production.

Officials decided to postpone the events for two days meaning Jury will now compete in the 5km event late tomorrow night (NZ time) and her favoured 10km event on Thursday.

The organiser considered moving the open water venue but weather reports forecast settling conditions for tomorrow.

While swimmers were able to relax for two further days, local organisers have had to reconstruct the equipment necessary to stage the competition.

New Zealand head coach Jan Cameron said she has spoken with open water coach Philip Rush who is happy with the decisions made.

"He is very relaxed about the situation and so is Alannah. It was the best decision after what has been some pretty unseasonal weather here," Cameron said.

Cameron, with the pool team preparing in Teramo, near the Adriatic three hours drive from Rome, said swimmers are all showing encouraging form.

They will travel to their championship base in Rome on Friday with competition beginning on Sunday evening (NZ time).

Four swimmers will be in action on the opening day including Moss Burmester in the 400m freestyle, Corney Swanepoel and Daniel Bell in the 50m butterfly and Glenn Snyders in the 100m breaststroke.

- NZPA