With less than 300 days to go until the Paris Olympic Games, Swimming New Zealand has unveiled a list of the 38 athletes who have been named to the Long List for the Games. Being named to the Long List is a key stepping stone on the way to Paris, as only those who are on the list are eligible for selection. 

Congratulations to the seven Otago athletes who have been named to the Paris Olympic Games Long List - we wish each of you the best of luck as you work toward gaining qualification and selection to the team representing the New Zealand in Paris.

Tokyo Olympians Erika Fairweather (Neptune) and Zac Reid (Neptune) have been named to the list, and will be vying for a spot on the New Zealand team at what would be their second Games. If selected, Erika and Zac will experience the 'electric' Olympic atmosphere for the first time, after Tokyo took place in 2021 during height of the global COVID-19 pandemic which did not allow for any spectators.

Aquablacks Caitlin Deans (Neptune), Luan Grobbelaar (Neptune), and Ruby Heath (Neptune), alongside New Zealand representative Kane Follows (Neptune) and Australia-based teen Liam McGowan (Oamaru), have also been named to the list. These five athletes will be looking to make the step up and qualify for their first Olympic Games.

There are two qualification opportunities Paris Olympic Games:

• 2024 World Aquatics Championships 
• 2024 New Zealand Swimming Championships

Click here to learn more about the swimming nomination criteria

Click here to learn more about the open water nomination criteria

It is a fantastic achievement to be named to the Olympic Games Long List, and we congratulate all of these Otago athletes on this accomplishment. Bring on the Pathway to Paris!

Article added: Wednesday 04 October 2023