Day five of racing at the World Aquatic Championships in Doha brought some exciting relay action, with the New Zealand team taking on the women's 4x200m Freestyle.

Erika Fairweather (Neptune) teamed up with Eve Thomas, Laticia Transom, and Summer Osborne to represent New Zealand in the heats. Thomas led off the team in 1:59.07, followed by Fairweather (1:56.16), Obsorne (2:02.11) and Transom (1:57.53). Finishing in 7:54.98, the team broke the longstanding New Zealand record that was set in 2012 and progressed through to the final as the second fastest qualifier.

Caitlin Deans (Neptune) was substituted into the team for the final, replacing Summer Osborne. The team opted to swim from fastest to slowest, with the aim of gaining an advantage over the opening legs to provide some clear water to bring the relay home in. Fairweather led the team off (1:56.37), followed by Transom (1:58.41), Thomas (1:58.65), and Deans (1:59.59); impressively, all four team members clocked sub-2:00 splits. Combining for a time of 7:53.02, the team broke the New Zealand record for the second time over the course of the day and placed fifth in the world.

Reflecting on the day, here's what Deans had to say...

“We were all absolutely stoked with that swim, to be competitive in a world champs final is something we’ve all been working towards so to experience that tonight was really special” 

“Nothing compares to the enjoyment a relay swim brings. Being in the call room all together is always such a fun time and then to walk out on pool deck together and put it all out there for each other is incomparable”

The team secured New Zealand a quota spot for the Olympic Games, where they have qualified as the eighth fastest team heading into Paris. Positions on this relay team will be up for grabs at the New Zealand Championships in April, making it one of the most exciting events to watch at trials.

Article added: Saturday 17 February 2024