Even though New Zealand’s Olympic Trials already took place last week in Auckland, where 6 Kiwi swimmers earned their spot on the Rio roster, a 2nd qualifying meet is taking place this week.
The Canadian Olympic Trials, scheduled through April 10th in Toronto, is acting as the 2nd Olympic-qualifying meet where New Zealanders can fight for FINA A cuts and their chance to swim at the 2016 Olympic Games.
Making the most of his appearance in Toronto is University of Wisconsin swimmer Matt Hutchins who represents New Zealand internationally. In the men’s 400m freestyle prelims this morning at Canadian Trials, Hutchins scored the top time of the entire field, throwing down a 3:49.84 to slide under the FINA “A” cut of 3:50.44.
For 20-year-old Hutchins, this morning’s performance represents the 2nd best time of his career and only the 2nd occasion he’s crossed the 3:50 threshold. His lifetime best is the 3:48.70 he registered at last summer’s U.S. Nationals in San Antonio.
At the actual New Zealand Trials last week, Matamata Swim Club’s Matt Stanley clocked an Olympic-qualifying time in the 400m freestyle with his time of 3:49.01, so Hutchins marks the 2nd swimmer to clinch an Olympic berth in the event.
Butterflyer Helena Gasson and IMer Bradlee Ashby were among the 6 Kiwi Olympic qualifiers at New Zealand Trials. Backstroker Corey Main earned his 100m backstroke cut earlier at the Canadian Trials.
