Some may say that Hazel Ouwehand was destined to be in and around water after arriving into the world via a birthing pool.

Ouwehand began competitive swimming at the age of six, joining Te Awamutu Swimming Club with her two older sisters. Growing up, Ouwehand and her sisters juggled many sporting commitments; however, focus gradually shifted solely to swimming as time went on.

At age fourteen, Ouwehand won her first national age group medal. She captained New Zealand’s team at the 2016 Australian State Team Championships and won her first national titles in 2018 in the 50m and 100m butterfly.

Ouwehand made her senior international debut at the 2018 FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in China, where she competed in the 50m, 100m and 200m butterfly events, as well as several relays. A best finish of ninth place in the 4x100m freestyle capped off a successful first senior international competition.

In 2019, Ouwehand moved to Phoenix Aquatics to train with coach David Lyles.

In 2022, Ouwehand debuted as Aquablack #283 at the Commonwealth Games, making three semi-finals with a best finish of 10th in the 50m backstroke. That same year, she competed at the 2022 FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), where she took on the 100m backstroke and was part of the New Zealand team that reset the national record in the 4x100m medley relay.

Ouwehand had a breakout 2023, setting her first individual national record in the 50m butterfly and earning selection for the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka. She dominated the 2024 domestic season, becoming the first Kiwi woman to break 58 seconds in the 100m butterfly and 26 seconds in the 50m butterfly. She has since lowered this mark to 25.43.

Ouwehand’s Olympic dream became reality at Paris 2024, where she competed in the 100m butterfly, finishing 18th and narrowly missing the semi-finals. Becoming an Olympian had been a dream of Ouwehand's for so many years, and seeing all the hard work pay off is an amazing feeling. Although the Olympics Games had always been her goal, she feels it is only the beginning.

Away from the pool, Ouwehand holds a Bachelor of Accountancy from Massey University and works as a Senior Accountant in Auckland. She hopes to complete a master’s degree and become a respected figure in the accounting industry. Ouwehand draws inspiration from her family and swimming greats like Sjöström, Ledecky, and Phelps.

Favourite quote – “Diamonds are made under pressure.”