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Cara BAKER
Sport Open Water Swimming
NOC New Zealand   
GenderWomen
Born03 Jul 1990 in Dannevirke, NZL
 Human Interest 
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)

 Competition Highlights
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