A former Waimea College swimmer is making a splash for his university in the United States.
Earlier this month Sam McKenzie helped his Grand Canyon University men’s swimming and diving team win its first-ever Western Athletic Conference championship. Although it was the squad’s senior members who claimed most of the team’s medals, Sam, a freshman, did his bit, picking up a few medals of his own.
He swam a leg in the 400m freestyle relay where his team finished third, and was also part of the 800m relay team, which won gold. In individual events, Sam swam in the 50, 100 and 200m freestyle events, winning a bronze in the 200m.
Eleven teams took part in the four-day event, which was held in Houston.
Sam has competed in a number of swim meets since he arrived at Grand Canyon University in August last year, which has led to him travelling to Florida, Colorado, Iowa, North Carolina, California, Utah, Idaho, Texas and Ohio, along with Richmond, Virginia.
Training is six mornings and two afternoons a week, as well as two weight-room sessions a week. Sam, a former Tasman Swimming Club member, is on a scholarship at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizonia, which he says covers everything.
“I am fortunate enough to have my swimming, books, housing, food, insurance and everything else paid for,” he says.
“I am also provided with a huge amount of Nike gear many times throughout the year, as GCU is sponsored by Nike.”
On top of that, technical swim suits and all travel is covered, along with a per Diem.