Kneebone wins gold in Tata swim
It wasn’t Delhi, but former Commonwealth games competitor Simon Kneebone swam a strong race to win the Tata Beach swim in Golden Bay on Saturday.
The Tata Beach swim route took participants out to Tata Island and back. Competitors could choose to swim one way, from Tata Island to the beach, or to swim to the island and back. It was 800 metres from Tata beach to Tata Island.
The Tata beach swim race has been running since 1978.
Mr Kneebone, who trains with the Tasman Gold Masters team in Richmond, said he enjoyed the race.
‘‘There was a slight current coming back, it pulled me over . . . but I have got terrible navigational skills,’’ said Kneebone.
Jude Vincent, also a member of the Tasman Gold Masters of Richmond, was the first woman across the line, coming third overall in the two-way race.
Vincent shared the secret of her success.
‘‘You’ve gotta be able to relax and be comfortable in the water. If you’re too tense you won’t swim well,’’ said Vincent.
Tata Swim organiser Maddy King said she was pleased with the turnout and the perfect conditions that day. She also said there was a budding group of youth who did well in the swim this year.
‘‘We had a group of young swimmers aged around 10 to 13 who all completed the one way swim. They set their goal and worked hard to achieve it. What an awesome achievement. Wil RobertsonKing, he’s 12, was the youngest swimmer in the two-way swim and completed it in an amazing 27min 46sec,’’ said King.
She said host Golden Bay Swimming Club was very thankful for the support of local businesses and individuals who sponsored the event financially and with prizes.
Winner of the one-way junior girl category was Gabrielle Hannen. Winner of the one-way junior boy category was Finn Gilbertson. Winner of the one-way adult female category was Tracey Osbourne. Winner of the one way adult male category was Tom Williams. Winner of the two-way junior girl category was Alice Hoskins. Winner of the twoway junior boy category was Ryan McEwan. Tata Beach swim results: Tata swim winner was Simon Kneebone; winner of the two-way open female category, Jude Vincent; winner of the two-way open male category, Simon Kneebone; The oldest swimmer, Paul Clements. The youngest swimmer, Maya Lewis. The first local to finish the race, Rod Sharp.