Clear targets for Snyders at national swimming championships

Kiwi breaststroke stalwart Glenn Snyders hopes that next week’s New Zealand Open Championships in Auckland will provide a perfect yardstick for his future international ambitions.

The vastly experienced Snyders, a two-time Olympian and three-time Commonwealth Games representative, is looking forward to competing at the Westwave Aquatic Centre where he has set himself some clear targets.

“My goals are to qualify in the individual events for the World Championships in Kazan,” states Snyders of the pinnacle event for the year staged in late July and early August.

“My main focus is the 100m breaststroke which is the first event on the first day at New Zealand Open Championships so it will be nice to get that qualifying time out of the way. The qualifying times are pretty fast for all breaststroke events so it will be a good challenge.”

Based out of Los Angeles for the past couple of years where he is part of Dave Salo’s world-class training group - which includes three-time Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Soni and Olympic and world champion Jessica Hardy - the New Zealander admits after finding the move initially tough he is now well adjusted to life in California and is engaged to an American.

Training out of the recently renovated pool used for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics has been “incredible” and being a part of a world-class training group an experience to savour, according to Snyders.

“The group I train with are amazing, everyone knows what their purpose is and having Dave Salo as my coach is great,” says Snyders, who celebrates his 28th birthday today (April 7). “His knowledge and experience alone makes it worthwhile.”

The New Zealand record holder for the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke says the A standards for the World Championships in Kazan of 1:00.44 and 2:11.71 for the 100m and 200m breaststroke are “very testing.”

Yet Snyders’ national records are all quicker than those standards and he has faith in his ability to perform when it counts.

“I am confident in myself and preparation,” he explains.  “I just need to be patient and wait for April 14 to race.”

Following the New Zealand Open Championships, Snyders will return to his US base and re-start training in preparation for his future international goals.

“I see the World Championships in Kazan as a stepping stone towards Rio next year,” he explains. “I want to do well at the World Champs so all my focus for this year will be on that and making the final in the 50m and 100m breaststroke, which will set me up nicely for Rio next year.”

Fact Box – Glenn Snyders

2010 – Commonwealth Games 50m breaststroke silver medallist

2014 – Pan Pacific Championships 100m breaststroke bronze medal

PB’s

50m breaststroke 27.06

100m breaststroke 59.78

200m breaststroke 2:10.55