Baker Sets Kiwi Swim Campaign Off On Bright Note at World Championships

Cara Baker has given the New Zealand swim team a real boost with an impressive sixth placing in the 5km Open Water swim on the opening day of the FINA World Championships in Barcelona.

Swimming New Zealand coach Philip Rush confirmed that the sixth placing by the Queensland-based Counties Manukau swimmer is the best by a New Zealander in open water competition at a world championship.

Baker, who turned 23 earlier this month, clocked 56:46.2s, out-toughed for fifth by Germany’s Isabelle Harle, with both swimmers given the same time. American Haley Anderson, the London Olympic silver medallist, took out the 5km race in Barcelona Harbour in 56:34 with the New Zealand champion only 1.5sec off the podium.

“I am pretty excited,” Baker said. “In Canada and Shanghai I got ninth in the 5km and today I wanted to better those swims and get as close as I could to a medal. That swim today honestly it is just like getting a medal for me and I am pretty proud of myself.

“It is great result for a first swim. I’ve got two days to settle down for the 10km and here’s hoping after this performance that it can fall into place.”

Baker had to recover after being swum-over by another swimmer at the first turn buoy, pushing her well back in the field. She recovered to be 10th after the first 2.5km lap, five seconds behind the leader.

Baker pushed hard on the closing sprint for the line in a group of seven swimmers who fought out for the final spot on the podium.

“It’s a very technical course and in training they did not have the swim buoys out. So not only is it great to get a good result but now I know how the course works and the key parts for the 10km.”

Compatriot Emma Robinson (Capital, Wellington) was well in touch at the midway point in her first world championship, but had to be content with 24th placing in 57:29.5s.

Rotorua’s Kane Radford and Auckland’s Phillip Ryan are New Zealand’s representatives in the men’s 5km race to be swum overnight.

FINA World Championships, 5km Open Water Swim, Women:  Haley Anderson (USA) 56:34.2, 1; Poliana Okimoto Cintra (BRA) 56:34.4, 2; Ana Marcela Cunha (GRA) 56:44.7, 3. Also: Cara Baker (NZL) 56:46.2, 6; Emma Robinson (NZL) 57:29.5, 24.