First published on 8 August 2024 on Newsline

Fast forward 18 years, and the high school student is diving into the deep end after being selected for the New Zealand para-swimming squad at the 2024 Paralympics.

Gaby was introduced to competitive swimming for the first time after moving to New Zealand from across the ditch in 2014.

She joined Wharenui Swim Club and later Vikings, and has competed worldwide in Australia, Portugal and the United States. “I got into it and just never stopped,” Gaby says.

And if school, training and competing wasn’t enough, she also works as a swim instructor at Graham Condon Recreation and Sports Centre when she has any free time left.

Gaby says she loves teaching school age kids, specifically enjoying the classes that teach the basics and water safety skills. “The age in between learning how to properly swim and learning the technique is a really rewarding position.

“And by then they’re usually able to listen and come up with some very interesting topics of conversations, as children do!”

Gaby will be flying to Majorca, Spain, with the rest of the squad mid-August for a two-week training camp, before heading to compete in Paris where she’s qualified for the Women’s 100m Breaststroke, 400m Freestyle and 200m Individual Medley.

The 18-year-old says she’s looking forward to racing but doesn’t want to be too hard on herself. “I have lots of time – I’m so excited to meet everyone else and learn from the older, more experienced athletes.”

Look out for Gaby’s races: Women’s 100m Breaststroke 30 August, Women’s 400m Freestyle 5 September and Women’s 200m Individual Medley 7 September.

Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre Swim Education Instructor, Lili-Fox Mason, has also been selected to compete at the 2024 Paralympics. Lili-Fox will be racing in the S10 400m freestyle and 100m butterfly events.

Find more information about swimming lessons at Christchurch Recreation and Sport Centres.