Selwyn Times: February 01, 2023

Wednesday February 1 2023 Selwyn Times
• From page 1
Said Drury: “I definitely think
it helped, because once I got into
the lake, which was about three
degrees, I didn’t bat an eyelid
at the cold. It was more about
getting on with fast swimming.”
The competition was “fierce”
with more than 350 swimmers
from about 40 countries.
The lake water temperature
had been “perfect” at 3-4 deg C,
in spite of unseasonably mild
weather across Europe.
The New Zealand team of
eight swimmers finished ninth
on the medal table, bringing
home 10 golds, four silvers and
two bronzes.
Drury said she and her team
members had an “awesome
time” in Samoëns and enjoyed
the supportive and friendly
atmosphere in “the frozen
village.”
Some races were held at night
under spotlight to the sound of a
live brass band playing.
“The New Zealand team were
well recognised, and the other
teams loved how we were so
tight-knit and had travelled so
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far to be there.”
A memorable moment for the
team was their 4x250m relay on
the last day of the event, when
supporters crowded on the
hillside overlooking the lake as
heavy snow was falling.
“The camaraderie and team
spirit was awesome, the team
were always there supporting
each other, whether it was
a warm-up, race or medal
ceremony.”
Another memorable moment
was when one of the team
members lost their togs during a
PHOTO: JOHN SPURDLE
TIGHT-KNIT: The New Zealand swim team, including Hannah Drury (on the right holding the flag), and their support
crew outside their accommodation in Samoëns. Right – Drury bathing in her freezer at home before the competition.
Freezer bath training pays off
race. “Thankfully they were not
disqualified.”
Drury said she was looking
forward to the upcoming
competitions in New Zealand
over winter, the first of which is
in July at St Bathans in Central
Otago.
She had not yet returned to
bathing in her freezer, but was
not ruling it out in the next few
weeks, especially as she wanted
to stay acclimatised to the cold
conditions.
“The freezer is still there ready
for me to get in,” she said.
NEWS 7
Lagoon blitz
to find plants
and animals
PEOPLE ARE being asked to find
as many animal and plant species
as possible at Muriwai o Whata/
Coopers Lagoon near Taumutu.
Environment Canterbury will
join with mana whenua and the
district council for the one-day
BioBlitz on February 18.
ECan zone delivery lead
Gillian Jenkins said the event
will provide valuable information
for a $10,000 project of planting
and establishing fish passages,
as well as for ongoing protection
through an iwi management
plan.
The BioBlitz was originally
planned for February last year,
but cancelled due to the Covid-19
restrictions.
“The site is an area of
cultural, natural and historic
importance, located on the coast
between the Rakaia River and
Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere,”
Jenkins said.
The lagoon is located half way
between the mouth of the river
and the larger Te Waihora/Lake
Ellesmere outlet.
•To attend the Muriwai
o Whata/Coopers Lagoon
BioBlitz from 9am-5pm
on February 18, RSVP to
events@ecan.govt.nz or
visit ecan.govt.nz/bioblitz
for more information
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