Swimming: Sunset getting closer for winter nationals

Athens Olympic hopefuls will line up at the national winter championships in Christchurch on Sunday - probably for the last time.

National director of coaching Clive Rushton wants to move the September event because it no longer fits in to the international calendar for elite swimmers.

He wants a major competition in November or December as a springboard for the international short-course season in Europe and the state championships in Australia in the New Year.

"Our elite swimmers have just returned from the world championships and World Student Games in July and August, so it does not make sense for them to be competing in September," Rushton said.

"The major swim championships, either world championships, Olympics or Panpacs, will always be in July and August."

He said the concept had the support of key coaches.

Rushton is expecting the next group of young swimmers to make their mark in Christchurch.

The powerful North Shore squad have not tapered for this event. All of their world championship swimmers will compete at the short-course event, including Dean Kent, Hannah McLean, Alison Fitch, Cameron Gibson, Corney Swanepoel and Helen Norfolk, along with Dunedin's Liz Van Welie.

"They are now working to the new timetable and are in their heavy aerobic mileage work right now. They will train through the championships," Rushton said.

He was looking forward to the development of the new group of young female breaststrokers, including 14-year-olds Annabelle Carey, of Wharenui, Jordyn Mahanga, of Capital, Rachel Ah Koy, of North Shore, and Rachel Loo, of Capital.

Others who impressed included freestylers Nicole Goldsmid, of Manawatu, Howick-Pakuranga's Verity Hicks, Kendall Cochrane, of Greerton, and Gisborne's Alan Thorpe.

The emerging backstrokers include Kelly Newcombe, of West Auckland, and Penelope Marshall, of Greerton.

Squads from Queensland and New South Wales are also competing.

- NZPA