State Harbour Crossing Winner Disqualified

Australian swimmer Trent Grimsey has been stripped of his State Harbour Crossing title.

Grimsey, 24, won the 2.9km open water swim across the Waitemata Harbour on Sunday by more than a minute, but allegations have since come to light that he deliberately obstructed another competitor about a third of the way through the race.

Such behavior is outlawed in the rules and after a thorough investigation, State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series event director Scott Rice has acted.

“Trent is an outstanding swimmer in superb form, but we have to ensure that every competitor is given an equal opportunity to win, and in this case that didn’t happen” Mr. Rice said

Grimsey’s disqualification means another Australian swimmer, Ky Hurst, is now the confirmed winner of the race, with Codie Grimsey, Trent’s brother, moving up to second, and South African Troy Prinsloo confirmed in third place.

The decision’s also had an impact on the overall series. Codie Grimsey is now the leader after two of the six races, with Aucklander Phillip Ryan moving up to second.

Before being disqualified, Trent Grimsey had the maximum 200 points after also winning the State Paihia Classic last month.

Confirmed Men’s 2012 State Harbour Crossing Results:
1.    Ky Hurst (AUS) 36:15
2.    Codie Grimsey (AUS) 36:24  +0:09
3.    Troy Prinsloo (RSA) 36:31  +0:16
4.    Phillip Ryan (NZL) 38:54  +2:39
5.    Casey Glover (NZL) 39:50  +3:35

State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series Standings (after Round 2):
1.    Codie Grimsey   197.89
2.    Phillip Ryan   193.26
3.    Trent Grimsey   100.00
4.    Ky Hurst   100.00
5.    Troy Prinsloo   99.50

6 comments
Matt says 4 December 2012

So how exactly did he obstruct presumable Ky?

Darrin Jones says 4 December 2012

Who did he obstruct and would it have really made a difference anyway ? Sounds petty to me , these guys do so much training and fly to NZ to compete and this happens ? come on !

Chris says 4 December 2012

Agree this sounds a way over-the-top penalty! Disqualification? Surely a 30 or 60 second penalty would be fairer. You ought to look at how would the race have ended had the obstruction not have occurred.

Simon says 5 December 2012

Hi Darrin, thanks for your comment. No question that Trent and the rest of the elite competitors are extremely hard working & talented athletes, of which we have a huge amount of time and respect for. From our perspective it is absolutely critical we adhere to all the race rules we have in place at our events. Much the same as other rules such as someone being disqualified for not swimming the course instructed i.e. rounding a buoy on the wrong side (which has happened in the past), any swimmer purposely obstructing or impeding the progress of other swimmers will be disqualified. We accept some people may not agree with all of our race rules but we make no apologies for enforcing them consistently.

Dave Blackie says 6 December 2012

You did the right thing Scott As a rule in Horse racing you may like to know “You go behind the horse or person you obstruct” or did he obstruct more than one person I think that rule in horse racing is a good one Mind you if he did it in the pool he would be BQed If I dont make Wellington Hope to be there at The Mount I suppose I get a free one Hope to see you at Takapuna on a Tuesday I hate this place Looking for a rental NOW
Regards to ALL Dave Blackie

Paul says 5 December 2012

Hey guys rules are rules if you are going soft on them, then what is the point. We are told the rules and the cosequences, you enter the race knowing that and agreeing to it. So whats the problem?

Good on you Scott, to many times we see cheats getting away with it and those who are protesting may be some of them.It make me feel better know the extra effort I make when missing a bouy to go back around it and being curtous to other swimmers

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