Title: Body Of Missing Swimmer Found

At approximately 2pm this afternoon the body of an Australian man who went missing yesterday during a swim in the Waikato River was located by the Police National Dive Team in the river close to where he was last seen.

The 21-year-old man can now be named as Mathew Slade from Melbourne. Mr Slade's parents flew to New Zealand this morning and had been waiting for news close to the search scene.

Mr Slade travelled to New Zealand on 22 December and was planning to stay in the country until March riding and training ponies for the World Championships of the Equestrian Mounted Games.

He had previously represented Australia in this sport and was intending to compete this weekend in a pairs event and in February in a team event. Although not competing in the World Championships in March he was key to the event preparing New Zealand provided ponies for foreign competitors.

Police are currently providing support for the family along with the Australian High Commission. They do not wish to make any further comment at this stage as they come to terms with the news they have just received.

ENDS

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