Twelve New Zealand swimmers are ready to take on the 2025 World Virtus Swimming Championships, being held in Bangkok, Thailand, from August 24 - 29.

The Virtus championships are for athletes with intellectual impairments and will feature New Zealand’s top S14, S18 and S19 classified swimmers who will race in the respective II1, II2 and II3 classification.

Current World Record holders Ian Chen (St Paul’s) and Chloe Gladwin (Whakatane) are both making their pinnacle international debut, coming into the championships after each breaking two World Records at the 2025 Apollo Projects NZ Swimming Championships earlier this year. 

NZ Record holder Quinn Pike (Hamilton Aquatics) and Jole Watkins (Pukekohe) are the other two swimmers set to get their first taste of pinnacle international competition.

The team will draw upon experience within the group, with eight swimmers having previously raced at major competitions. David Beck (Club 37), James Haydon (Club 37) and Jack Bugler (Blenheim) have each been on multiple teams. While Finn Russ (Selwyn), Tate Pichon (Club 37), Bailey Conlon (Swim Rotorua), Joseph Blake (Hamilton Aquatics) and Lance Dustow (Central Hawke’s Bay) have also competed internationally.

The team is led by experienced Glen Findlay (Nelson South) as the Head Coach, supported by Mason Pickering (Whakatane) as Assistant Coach and Jules Gladwin (Whakatane) as the Team Manager.

Findlay says the team is set for a great week in Thailand.

“In our pre-competition camp, swimmers achieved strong training results and there was a great team culture which really flourished,” said Findlay.

“While we know New Zealand has seen significant growth in the depth and performance of its Virtus athletes, the team is aware of similar advancements internationally. They are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to test their abilities against the world’s best on the global stage.”

The competition began today, Sunday August 24 with heats from 2pm NZST and finals from 9.30pm NZST. 

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