Cromwell College year 13 pupil Nevaeh Reddy won her category in the 3000m Clyde Open Water Swim on the final day of 2024. 

The event, organised by Southland and Dunedin Triathlon and Multisport clubs was held on Lake Dunstan at 8.15am and offered a variety of distance options; 500m, 1000m, 1500m and 3000m.  

Nevaeh said she was proud of the result and that being away for three weeks on Outward Bound meant she only had a few training swims before the race.

“Although I don’t tend to focus on placings, It is always great to see rewards for your hard work.

Nevaeh said she finds open water swimming peaceful and the discipline brings her great enjoyment.

“I enjoy the technical side of it, navigating and pacing for different distances.” 

Participants are briefed before the lake swim on December 31. PHOTO: Supplied 

Nevaeh’s coach Teresa Noble said they were super happy with the result at the local event. 

“Superstar Nevaeh has been focusing on her swimming with this event and the [Wānaka] Ruby Swim coming up. The future is exciting as we are tackling some other disciplines.”

Dunedin triathlon and multisport club spokesperson Hugh Tait said it was the biggest field ever with 130 swimmers taking part. 

“[There was] a big mix of ages and ability but everyone loved the calm morning and flat water.”

There was a barbecue afterwards, as the day gradually warmed up to around 21degC.

Swimmers donned wetsuits for the open water swim, lake temperatures were about 14degC. PHOTO: Supplied 

Nevaeh has decided to reduce her pool swimming training and focus on triathlons for the moment, and said she values participating in all local events including running. 

“I recently did two great running events. Firstly, the Cromwell 10km event, where I placed first female in the under 19 category, and I was also the second overall female. I also gained a four-minute personal best at this event, so I was very happy with my performance.”

She was the youngest competitor to tackle the Clyde Classic Half Marathon in October and is training to tackle the new Carousel Backyard Ultra running event in April this year. 

Nevaeh thanked local business sponsors NRG Health and Fitness, The Recovery Project Cromwell, The Wright Build, Tailwind Nutrition New Zealand and coach and mentor Teresa. 

“I’m grateful for this support… Teresa is also a great training partner and friend.”

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