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Cara
BAKER |
Sport |
Open Water Swimming |
NOC |
New Zealand
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Gender | Women |
Born | 03 Jul 1990
in Dannevirke, NZL |
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General Interest |
Other information |
RETIREMENT In April 2014 she announced her retirement from competitive swimming at the Swimming New Zealand Awards, to pursue a career in teaching. (swimming.org.nz, 01 Jan 2015)
OLYMPIC DISAPPOINTMENT She considered quitting the sport after not being selected for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. "The New Zealand Olympic Committee had given the open water swimmers a certain criteria, requiring we had to be in the top nine in Portugal [Olympic qualifier] to allow us to qualify for the team. Unfortunately I was only seconds from the qualifying spot. Even though I had qualified for the Oceanic spot at the Olympics, New Zealand did not take me on the team as they believed I would not perform to a top 16 standard. Having a group of people rip your dreams from you is something nobody can ever overcome. I took a month off swimming and was ready to hang up my togs, but I knew I owed myself to retire on a good note so jumped back in the pool." (dailynews.openwaterswimming.com, 04 Apr 2013) |
Sport Specific Information |
Why this sport? |
"My younger sister wanted to compete in the 10km [at the 2009 Queensland State Championships]. I decided that I would also give it a go and just swim the 5km. I surprisingly won the open women's event." |
General Interest |
Awards and honours |
She was named New Zealand Open Water Swimmer of the Year in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. (swimming.org.nz, 01 Jan 2015) |
Sport Specific Information |
When and where did you begin this sport? |
She began swimming at age seven, and took part in her first open water race at the 2009 Queensland State Championships in Australia. |
General Interest |
Famous relatives |
Her younger sister Laura has competed in open water swimming at national level in New Zealand. (stuff.co.nz, 16 Jan 2011) |
Further Personal Information |
Languages |
English |
General Interest |
Sporting philosophy / motto |
"Nothing is impossible when you have the courage, heart and mind to strive each day to be the best you can be." (swimming.org.nz, 01 Jan 2015) |
World Championships Short Course |
Rank |
Year |
Venue |
Event |
Result |
15 |
2006 |
Shanghai, CHN |
800m Freestyle |
8:40.94 |
24 |
2006 |
Shanghai, CHN |
400m Freestyle |
4:17.29 |
20 |
2006 |
Shanghai, CHN |
200m Individual Medley |
2:20.46 |
World Championships |
Rank |
Year |
Venue |
Event |
Result |
6 |
2013 |
Barcelona, ESP |
5km |
56:46.2 |
23 |
2013 |
Barcelona, ESP |
10km |
1:58:38.5 |
10 |
2013 |
Barcelona, ESP |
5km - Team Time Trial |
56:12.0 |
22 |
2011 |
Shanghai, CHN |
10km |
2:02:34.0 |
9 |
2011 |
Shanghai, CHN |
5km |
1:00:47.3 |
Pan Pacific Championships |
Rank |
Year |
Venue |
Event |
Result |
6 |
2010 |
Irvine, CA, USA |
10km |
2:03:44.48 |
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