Terrified swimming toddler to World Junior Open Water Competitor

Can you believe it, but as a toddler I was terrified of water! My Mum insisted I learnt to swim after she helped save a child from drowning. She literally handed me over to my swim teacher kicking and screaming and said, "Teach Claudia to swim!"

Now at the age of 17, after many years of dedication to my training, I can proudly say I have the opportunity to represent New Zealand at the 2016 World Open Water Swimming Championships in Holland in the 10 km event.

All of my swimming expenses (and there have been plenty of them) are on a user pays basis and I have my Mum and Dad to thank for being my financial supporters. Now I would like to give a little back to help them out with the expenses of my first international selection by doing some fund raising myself.

Any amount of financial assistance from you would be greatly appreciated. I thank you in advance for your kind contribution.