Kean takes break from swimming

Olympic swimmer Gareth Kean has decided to take a break away from the sport.

The 22 year old will miss this month’s State New Zealand Championships in Auckland, which double as the official trial for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Kean, who won a silver medal at the Delhi Commonwealth Games, said he needs some time away from swimming after more than a decade dedicated to the sport.

“I just don’t have the passion that it takes to be the best I can be right now,” Kean said.

“I believe I could qualify for Glasgow but I do not want to go there to make up the numbers. If I am not in the sort of shape to win a gold medal, then I am not doing justice to myself, my family and to the public of New Zealand really.

“And right now I am struggling to make that commitment.”

Kean said he will re-evaluate his position later in the year to determine if he will return to the pool to campaign towards the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Swimming New Zealand said they understood and support Kean’s position.

“Swimming at the highest level is a very tough and demanding sport,” said Swimming New Zealand High Performance Director, Luis Villanueva.“We understand what Gareth is going through. At the world class level, this sport is not something you can do unless you are fully committed.

“We will continue to talk to Gareth and help him with his future, whether that is in or out of the pool. Whatever Gareth decides, then we have support structures in place to assist him."