Storm delays Kiwi at world swim championships

New Zealand’s campaign in the FINA world swimming championships has been delayed after an unseasonal storm caused damage to the course for the open water swim.

Seventeen-year-old Alannah Jury has had to wait a further two days after the open water competition was postponed in Rome.

Strong winds and heavy surf this week at Ostia, venue for the open water events, destroyed the pier as well as structures for timing and television production.

Officials decided to postpone the events for two days meaning Jury will now compete in the 5km event late tomorrow (Tuesday) night (NZ time) and her favoured 10km event on Thursday.

The FINA Bureau considered moving the open water venue but weather reports forecast settling conditions for tomorrow.

While swimmers were able to relax for two further days, local organisers have had to reconstruct the equipment necessary to put on what is expected to be a world-class competition.

New Zealand head coach Jan Cameron said she has spoken with open water coach Philip Rush who is happy with the decisions made.

“He is very relaxed about the situation and so is Alannah. It was the best decision after what has been some pretty unseasonal weather here,” Cameron said.

“Alannah is just looking forward to getting into the competition. This is a big step for her – she is very new to open water swimming and there is some very classy and experienced competition here.”

Cameron, with the pool team preparing in Teramo, three hours drive from Rome near the Adriatic, said swimmers are all showing encouraging form. They will travel to their championship base in Rome on Friday with competition beginning on Sunday evening (NZ time).

Four swimmers will be in action on the opening day including Moss Burmester in the 400m freestyle, Corney Swanepoel and Daniel Bell in the 50m butterfly and Glenn Snyders in the 100m breaststroke.