Taylor makes NZ swim development squad
Swim Timaru’s Riley Taylor prowess in the pool has seen him included in the national development squad.
The Swimming New Zealand squad will offer a number of opportunities for both Taylor and his coach Oscar Van Stekelenborg. Both will attend a national spring training camp in October in Auckland.
Taylor will also have a individual performance programme and regular feedback with Swim NZ head coach Jerry Olszewski.
In March Taylor showed his ability in the water when he bagged three silver medals at national age group swimming championships in Wellington.
Van Stekelenborg said Taylor qualified for the squad by collecting FINA (International Swimming Federation) points against set Olympic times.
‘‘Riley was in a national development squad a couple of years ago as well, but it is much tougher when you are older to collect FINA points. I am blown away how well he has done.’’
Van Stekelenborg said Taylor’s strength was in longer distance freestyle events.
‘‘It is his 400m and 1500m times that have got him there.’’ Taylor said he was really excited to be included.
The 16-year-old’s dream is to represent New Zealand at some stage. ‘‘It would be great to go a competition as part of a New Zealand team.’’
Taylor said he knew he had made the qualifying times but that didn’t guarantee selection into the squad. A Year 12 student at Timaru Boys’ High School, he had to wait longer than the rest of the squad to find out.
‘‘I was on Stewart Island last week tramping and there was no wi-fi or internet where we were. I think the squad came out on Monday and I had to wait until Friday to find out.’’
He was looking forward to training with some of the country’s elite swimmers. Taylor finished second in the 400m and 1500m at nationals to Christchurch’s Quinton Hurley, with the pair having a great rivalry.
‘‘He’s got away from me a bit but is still reachable. I just need to work hard. ‘‘
Taylor trains nine times a week, swimming up to six kilometres each session, or 240 lengths of the pool at CBay. Van Stekelenborg said Taylor was a determined young man, prepared to chase to his goals.