Radford And Brookes-Peterson Claim Sovereign Harbour Crossing Titles
Rotorua’s Kane Radford and Australian Kate Brookes-Peterson swam to impressive victories in the Sovereign Harbour Crossing in Auckland, leading home a record turnout of 1440 swimmers in the fifth annual hosting of the 2.8km swim.
Radford confirmed his favoritism to defend his Sovereign NZ Ocean Swim Series title with a comprehensive win in race one of the five race nationwide series, leading from start to finish from Trent Grimsey (Aus) and young Aucklander Brett Newall.
“I just put my head down and went from the siren and within 4 or 500m I found myself with clear water. From that point it was aim for the sky tower and let the tide keep me on course,” said the 18 year old Radford.
Radford said conditions weren’t bad, but that there was a decent chop through the middle stages of the crossing.
“You very rarely get it perfectly flat but the breeze and the tide did make it a little choppy in the middle of the race but that was a good workout, a tough but enjoyable swim. I’m stoked with the result, in particular to have Trent behind me after he beat me at Oceania’s earlier this year.”
Grimsey was left to rue a poor start.
“I started on the wrong end of the line and then struggled to hear the siren and from then on was playing catch up. I closed the gap a little bit couldn’t get Kane. But what a great race, superbly organised and a great day.”
Grimsey will return for further races in the Sovereign series at Wellington and North Shore City.
Meanwhile ex pat Kiwi Brookes-Peterson was far too good for her rivals and in the absence of Helen Norfolk (retired) and Melissa Ingram (at World Cup races) keyed off the leading males.
“I just looked to get on the heels of the leading guys and go with them and it worked out great, I had a fantastic swim and really enjoyed it. Navigation wasn’t an issue either; it was pretty much follow the leader to the finish.”
Bookes-Peterson will be hard to beat this summer as she returns for the Island to Surf at Mount Maunganui and the series ending Sovereign King of the Bays.
Event Director Scott Rice was delighted at the way the event panned out.
“Today has gone superbly well. From the great turnout of swimmers (a record 1440) to the support of Surf Life Saving NZ, the coastguard and all our great volunteers it has been just a wonderful way to celebrate five years of the Sovereign Harbour Crossing.
“But as always the best feeling is watching the smiles and the sense of achievement of our everyday Kiwis, those who are taking on one of the biggest challenges in their lives to swim the 2.8km. That is the real payback for us as organizers and a real credit to the record numbers who swam this year.”
Former Silver Fern Tania Dalton swam superbly in her first ocean swim to come home around the hour mark, thanks to the support of husband Duane who swam alongside the 13 cap international.
“Man, you feel good once you have finished! Conditions were a little rougher than I thought and I think I drank a little too much water every time I turned to breathe. You have a few moments out in the middle thinking that finish line isn’t getting any closer but all of a sudden you get there and it is all worthwhile. I’m still not sure what is tougher, coming home to look after 3 kids or swimming the Harbour but it is a great feeling of accomplishment now I have done one.”
Rodney Hide was a late withdrawal on the morning of the race, calling Event Director Scott Rice with an apology due to urgent business in Wellington with a certain Mr Key!
Sovereign Harbour Crossing
Elite Males
1 Kane Radford (Rotorua), 33:00; 2 Trent Grimsey (Aus), 34:12; 3 Brett Newall (Auck), 34:15; 4 Brent Foster (Auck), 34:20; 5 Cory Hutchings (Gis), 34:23
Elite Females
1 Kate Brookes-Peterson (Aus), 34:25; 2 Penelope Marshall (North Shore), 36:51; 3 Charlotte Webby (N Plymouth), 37:21; 4 Allanah Jury (North Shore), 38:03
Full results will be posted to www.oceanswim.co.nz