Porirua swimmer making waves
Porirua swimmer Bronagh Ryan was one of the stars at the recent open nationals in Auckland.
The 22-year-old won the 100 and 50 breaststroke events in personal best times.
The win secured Ryan a position in the Oceania team that is competing in Fiji next month.
Ryan started swimming at 13 and said she didn’t think she would still be competing now.
‘I thought I would stop swimming when I stopped improving, but that hasn’t happened yet,’’ she said.
She credits her coach, Nevill Sutton, for much of her success.
Sutton, who has coached Ryan for nearly eight years, said making the Oceania team was a great achievement.
‘‘It’s good to see a local kid succeeding,’’ he said.
The Oceania championships will be held over 10 days.
Ryan said her club was helping her with funding for fees and travel.
‘‘Porirua City Aquatics support our team. My dad said if you get the chance to represent your country you go for it.’’
She said the sport was a lot more social than people might think.
‘‘I’ve heard it described as the lonely sport, but we have a lot of fun at training.
‘‘Everyone is there for the same reason, I’ve made a lot of friends.’’
Ryan trains twice a day, hitting the water at 5.30am and again in the evening.
‘‘I’m used mornings now.’’
She said she was competitive, aiming to win every race.
‘‘I don’t ever like coming second.’’
As well as swimming twice a day, Ryan trains at the gym with workouts tailored to her sport. to the early
She watches what she eats ‘‘most of the time’’, but does indulge occasionally.
‘‘My friends would tell you I’m not against the occasional McDonald’s meal.’’
Ryan attends Victoria University, where she studies law, commerce and art. She wants a job in high-end fashion marketing when she graduates.
She’s also a surf lifesaver at Titahi Bay Beach and coaches the nippers programme.