High Performance Sport NZ Hawke’s Bay Performance Pathway member Guy Harrison, a four-time winner of Sport Hawke’s Bay Disabled Sportsperson of the Year for running and golf recently transitioned into swimming, due to the impact cerebral palsy was having on his body.

He is now focused on selection for the Para Olympics in Paris in July.

“I had to give up running due to wear and tear on the body. Due to my disability I run on my toes and that was causing issues with my ankle, so it was a case of looking for another sport.

Having been an OK swimmer “relatively fast, but no technique”, he has been swimming with the Sun Devils squad at the Hawke's Bay Regional Aquatic Centre - powered by Pak'N Save and has his sights set on being a S8 or S7 category swimmer at the Games.

As an S8 swimmer he needs to finish the 100m freestyle in 1.03, which is 5 seconds faster than his current PB, but if he is re-categorised as a S7 swimmer his chances of qualifying in the 50m is better.

He will travel to Melbourne in February to be classified under the watchful eye of judges for 3 days and will then look to qualify at the New Zealand Swimming Championship in his home pool in a last ditch effort to win selection.

“It’s a bit of a long shot to make Paris. I’ve only been swimming for 18 months, so if I don’t make it, I’ll set my sights on Los Angeles in 2028.

HBCFCT Strength & Conditioning Lead Coach Josh Stewart says Guy’s gym training is about “sharpening his sword so to speak, and treating him like more of a traditional water-based athlete.”

“Guy is great in the water because of his wingspan and solid cardiovascular base from his years of running. To harness that more we have looked to make him incredibly strong up top, and increase the amount of power he can produce with each stroke. So far this has created really good results for us in the pool, and Guy has enjoyed this style of training in which he is pulling and pushing heavy, with intent, every week.  

“As always with Guy a key attribute for his success is his work ethic. He is consistent in the gym, loves getting into his work around his friends and fellow athletes, and is always up for the challenge.”