Top backstroker to swim for NZ
World-class backstroker Ali Galyer has been fast-tracked into the New Zealand swim team.
Galyer’s personal best time in the women’s 200 metres backstroke ranks her 17th in the world – based on two athletes per nation – and she will represent New Zealand in the Pan Pacific championships in Tokyo, Japan.
Galyer, 20, has spent the majority of her young career in the United States, although her father is a Kiwi.
Born in Brisbane, Galyer was raised in Greenville, South Carolina. Her father Roy was born in Matamata and grew up in Te Puke and Tauranga. Galyer’s mother was born in Canada and is an Australian citizen.
‘‘I’ve spent a majority of my time in the US but New Zealand has always been part of my life . . . I’ve always admired the Kiwi sporting spirit and the way the competitors took so much pride in wearing the fern,’’ Galyer said.
‘‘My introduction to New Zealand was watching the All Blacks with my Dad and for my family to see me put on the black uniform and represent New Zealand is something I’ve thought about for a long time, it’s very exciting.’’
Galyer is a backstroke specialist, a junior at the University of Kentucky and set a personal best time of 2min 9.77sec in the heats of the 200m backstroke at last week’s US national championships. She went on to finish eighth in the A final in 2:10.91.
Although Galyer did not compete at the 2018 NZ Open championships, Swimming NZ has approved a dispensation request for Galyer to be added to the Pan Pacific championships team.
‘‘I’m focused on doing my best for New Zealand at Pan Pacs next week. I also hope to earn the right to represent New Zealand again over the next few years with my longterm goal of swimming for New Zealand at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.’’
Galyer has an impressive swimming record which includes: 2017 US short course national champion (200 yard backstroke), 2017 and 2018 NCAA national championships finalist, three-time high school state champion and was the 2013, 2014 and 2015 South Carolina High School swimmer of the year.
Galyer will join the rest of the New Zealand swimming team in Kobe, Japan, today for a staging camp ahead of the start of the Pan Pacific championships starting in Tokyo on August 9.
Swimming New Zealand targeted athlete and coach manager Gary Francis is thrilled at having Galyer commit to swimming for New Zealand and also adding another athlete to the Pan Pacs team.
‘‘This is a fantastic opportunity for Swimming New Zealand and Ali. It’s not every day you find a world class athlete from the world’s premier swimming environment to add to your team.
‘‘Ali has massive potential to improve even more and we are very excited that she’s committed to New Zealand.’’