Back in 2004 Rebecca Linton won the inaugural King of the Bays event and we are excited to be welcoming her along to this year’s 10th anniversary celebrations. We caught up with her for a quick chat to see what she remembers about that first event and what she has been up to in the years since.
What do you remember about winning this event back in 2004?
It was a beautiful day, relatively flat (ideal for a pool swimmer) and Cory Hutchings won the men’s event. After receiving our awards he told me I’d better get better at speech making!
Which Olympics did you attend and which events?
Shortly after the King of the Bays swim I competed in the 2004 Athens Olympics. I competed in the 4 x 200 relay, the 400m freestyle and the 800m freestyle. It was an incredible experience.
What have you been doing since you retired?
Since retiring I gained a Bachelor of Arts with Psychology and Management majors before joining the New Zealand Police in 2008. I have enjoyed a number or roles in the organisation including general duties and more recently community beat. Last year I completed a Graduate Diploma in Education and hope to become a School Community Officer. I keep myself fit by running and playing social football (very badly) and have completed 5 half marathons to date. My most exciting news is my recent marriage to my husband Dave, who will be there to cheer me on this year!
Do you still swim in the ocean or pool?
I don’t do a lot of swimming these days, but keep fit by running. My motivation for swimming these days tends to come from where I can gain the best sun tan!
What distance will you be swimming at the State King of the Bays 2013?
This year I’m looking forward to completing the 1000m swim, though it will probably take me the same amount of time it took me to complete the 2.8km back in 2004!
We look forward to seeing Rebecca at this year’s event and wish her all the best for the swim.
