Recognition of the New Zealanders Appointed Roles in Paris 2024
Swimming New Zealand would like to congratulate the following five New Zealanders who have been appointed to roles internationally in Paris.
Christine Cassin (Canterbury West Coast) – Pool (Olympics)
Dr Dave Gerrard (Auckland) – World Aquatics Medical Commission (Olympics)
Carlrine Gillespie (Northland) – Pool (Paralympics)
Ross Gillespie (Northland) – Open Water (Olympics)
John West (Auckland) – Open Water Commission Member (Olympics)
This will be Ross Gillespie's and Christine Cassin's first Olympic Games they have officiated at. Carlrine Gillespie will be officiating at her second consecutive Paralympic Games. For SNZ Life Member John West, this will be his fourth consecutive Olympic Games.
In the case of Dr Dave Gerrard, this will be his 12th Summer Olympic Games. He has held many Olympic roles during that time, starting in Tokyo 1964 as an Aquablack swimming in the Men's 200m Butterfly. Since becoming an Olympian, Dr Gerrard has been to the Olympics as the New Zealand Team Doctor (Los Angeles 1984 and Seoul 1988), as part of the FINA Medical Commission a total of six times (Barcelona 1992, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio de Janeiro 2016), whilst attending Atlanta 1996 as the New Zealand Chef de Mission. Most recently, Dr Gerrard will be attending his 12th Olympic Games as a member of the World Aquatics Medical Commission for the second consecutive games (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024).
Dr Gerrard is looking forward to being in Paris to witness the advancement of the Olympic Games, but is most excited for the traditional sports.
"Paris promises to be innovative and exciting. Several new sport disciplines will make their entrance, but for me, traditional sports like swimming, athletics, cycling and rowing hold the greatest attraction."
Carlrine Gillespie shares how it's an honour to be selected for her second Paralympic Games.
"It is a huge honour and a privilege to be selected to be a part of an incredible group of 15 World Para Swimming ITO's (International Technical Officials) for Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and working alongside NTO's (National Technical Officials), all motivated by a common goal to ensure a fair competitive environment for the athletes."
Attending his fourth consecutive Olympic Games, John West is most looking forward to returning to the same location for the Open Water swimming in Paris.
"In 1900, the Olympic swimming competition was held in the River Seine and it will be great to return to this location for the Open Water events in 2024 in the heart of Paris."
We would also like to acknowledge and congratulate another Kiwi from our aquatic whanau, Luciana Garcia Genta, who will be attending as part of her role on the Artistic Swimming Technical Committee.
On behalf of Swimming NZ and our whole community, we would like to congratulate and thank each of these Kiwis appointed to roles in Paris for their continued service to the New Zealand, World Aquatics and World Para Swimming communities. It's well deserved recognition for the time and expertise you provide our sport.
