New Zealander Elected to Global Swimming Body

John West Elected to World Aquatics Bureau

Swimming New Zealand Life Member John West was elected to the Bureau of World Aquatics, the International Swimming Federation Executive Board yesterday. His election is a first for a New Zealander since 2011.

Previously a board member and the President of Swimming New Zealand, he is currently the Secretary of our regional body, Oceania Aquatics. West has also been active in the delivery and administration of open water swimming, having been on the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming Technical Committee for many years.

West was honoured to be elected on to the World Aquatics bureau.

“I’m humbled and honoured to be elected by my colleagues from across the globe, to represent Oceania at the highest level in aquatic sports.”

West has identified the need for continuing to encourage learning to swim in our Oceania region.

“Although we are a continent with relatively few athletes in our aquatic sports – Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Artistic Swimming, Water Polo, Diving and High Diving - compared to other regions, we have the largest area of ocean, and developing aquatic activities, facilities and water safety across the continent is one of our most important and biggest challenges.”

West noted some the challenges that our Oceania federations still face with accessing aquatic facilities.

“Many of Oceania’s Island federations don’t have access to proper pool facilities and even in Australia and New Zealand access to water for learn to swim, training and competition remains constrained.”

The World Aquatics General Congress election was held on 29 July during the World Aquatic Championships currently being held in Singapore, with 201 countries participating. West was elected for the next four years by vote of all 206 participating federations across the world.

Shirley Hooper, Chairperson of Aquatics New Zealand, congratulated John on his election.

“John is a remarkable man – his skills have been invaluable on the Board of Oceania Aquatics as Secretary where he has helped to support President Matt Dunn to unite and serve the Oceania nations. His communication skills, organisation, strategic thinking combined with attention to detail has been a real strength – strengths that will transfer well to the World Aquatics Board table. We look forward to having our first New Zealander around that table for 14 years.”

Congratulations to John West for being elected into this position.