Christchurch's Taiko Torepe-Ormsby has set the New Zealand Swimming Championships alight, swimming a New Zealand Record in the marquee sprint event on Saturday afternoon.
Contesting his 50m freestyle heat at the Hawke's Bay Regional Aquatics Centre, Torepe-Ormsby was a cut above, leaving the crowd on their feet and in disbelief as he produced the fastest 50 metre freestyle swim ever by a New Zealander, touching the wall in 21.86 seconds.
The time is under the Olympic qualification standard and is the first time a New Zealander has ever swum the distance in sub-22 seconds.
"I'm lost for words to be honest, I’ve dreamed about this moment for my whole life," said Torepe-Ormsby.
"I’ve been going fast the last couple of days, doing the sets my coach told me and I just can’t believe I got that Olympic time."
Torepe-Ormsby has been living and studying in the United States for the past three years, swimming for the University of Wisconsin.
Three-time Paralympian Cameron Leslie was also in the pool, hitting another Paris qualification time, winning the 50m freestyle (S4) in 38.14s.
"That was really good, the goal was for a no-breath 50m, I’d never done that before and did it in a good time so I’m happy as," said Leslie.
"I just enjoy swimming, I love the training and the competition and it’s great to be here this week."
Both athletes will be back in the pool for Saturday night's finals session.
