Nzers Named In International Ocean Swim Awards

Two New Zealand men have been honoured in international open water swimming awards. Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series director Scott Rice was named the Oceania Open Water Swimming Man of the Year, while top NZ ocean swimmer Kane Radford was awarded the title for Greatest Oceania Open Water Swim of the Year.

More than 35,000 people from 158 countries voted online in the awards which honour individuals who embody the spirit of open water swimming, possess the sense of adventure, tenacity and perseverance that open water swimmers and known for and have positively influenced the world of open water swimming.

Scott, who was ranked sixth overall in the international awards, says he was surprised and thrilled to receive the Oceania award. “It’s a great honour. These awards are fantastic and recognise ocean swimming and swimmers from around the world.”

The international Open Water Swimming Man of the Year was Bulgarian swimmer Petar Stoychev, while Brazilian Poliana Okimoto was awarded Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year. Andrew Smilley of the Cayman Islands took the Greatest Open Water Swim of the Year with Kane Radford in third placing.

Scott (33) has been committed to boosting the profile of ocean swimming in New Zealand and Australasia since capturing the public’s imagination with the first King of the Bays swim between Milford and Takapuna.

Six years on and the Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series now includes six events throughout the country and encourages people of all ages and abilities to take part with events now including a beginner’s distance of 750m, a tag team relay and a 200m Sovereign Oceankids for children aged 10 years and under.

“There is something for everyone. It’s a challenge but achievable with the right preparation and support on the day. I love seeing the grins on people’s faces as they cross the finish line and feel that sense of achievement.”
Kane Radford was a deserving winner of the Oceania Award for Greatest Open Water Swim of the Year after stunning a world class field to win the prestigious and rich Tiburon Mile Open Water Swim in San Francisco late last year.

The 19-year-old product from Rotorua has since returned to New Zealand and is training with New Zealand Swimming Coach Mark Regan at The Millennium Institute in Auckland. Radford is a confirmed starter for the remainder of the Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series.

The third event in the Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series is on next week in Wellington. Around 700 swimmers, including Kane Radford, will line up on the start line for the 2.8km Capital Classic on Saturday 30 January. The event includes a 750m beginner’s distance and the 200m Sovereign OceanKids for children aged 10 years and under. Take the plunge by visiting www.oceanswim.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media