Commonwealth Games dashed by Reid withdrawal

Friday, Apr 29 2022

Commonwealth Games dashed by Reid withdrawal

Will Johnston

 

Any hope for Taranaki Olympic swimmer Zac Reid to represent New Zealand at this year’s Commonwealth Games is over.

The 22-year-old announced on social media he’s withdrawn from his overseas swimming campaign for the rest of the year because of complications after having Covid-19.

Last year’s Taranaki Sportsperson of the Year winner qualified for the Tokyo Olympics after the ASA Championships in December 2020. He finished sixth and missed the final by more than two seconds in the 400m freestyle event and finished 18th out of 34 swimmers in the 800m freestyle.

But Reid hasn’t raced since Tokyo after completing rehabilitation on a hip injury. He was ready to compete in the New Zealand nationals this month but contracted the virus in March.   

“Unfortunately, due to health reasons I’ve had to put a halt to my overseas swimming campaign for 2022,” his statement said on social media.

When contacted, Reid said his chest hasn’t been the same since.

“I’m struggling with exercise,” he said from Australia.

The former Francis Douglas Memorial College student, he was “super gutted” to make the decision.

“Pulling out of the World Championships and withdrawing my name from the Commonwealth Games selection wasn’t an easy decision but is definitely the right one.”

He said, there was a “bigger picture,” and the withdrawal is part of a journey to Paris Olympics in 2024.

“I’m hungrier than ever to get back in the pool and go race in Paris. I’ll be back and better than ever.”

Many reacted in support of Reid’s decision on social media including sprinter Olivia Eaton, international tennis player Ajeet Rai and former Olympic swimmers Moss Burmester and Dylan Dunlop-Barrett.

Earlier this week, Reid was one of 42 recipients of Olympic Solidarity Scholarships in preparation for Paris 2024. The total budget is worth $590million.

The programme provides financial support around the world to athletes, coaches and National Olympic Committees to support the idea of universality in the Olympic movement.