With goggles at the ready and medals on their minds, two Motueka swimmers are determined to make waves in the upcoming Special Olympics.
Michael Tideman and Rosa Doughty have been putting in the yards – or rather, laps – as they prepare for the 2025 Special Olympics National Summer Games in Christchurch.
Michael swims around 100 laps per training session – nearly 8km each week. Freestyle and backstroke are the 26-year-old’s favourites, with his tinted goggles helping to keep the sun out of his eyes. He also plans to compete in the individual medley, which means utilising his mastery of these strokes as well as breaststroke and butterfly.
His mother Julie says he’s always been drawn to the water.
“Since he could walk, he has always run into the sea,” she says.
Michael agrees he still loves swimming – and he makes sure to mention the post-training cookies his helper Alison bakes.
Meanwhile, Rosa is buzzing about competing at Christchurch’s newly-constructed Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre, where she’ll take part in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and the 4x25m relay. She began swimming seriously at 13, and the 24-year-old says it has been “quite a journey” to get to this point.
Michael’s aiming for another podium finish this year after winning two silvers and a bronze at the last Summer Games three years ago.
“It would be great to get a gold,” he says.
This will be Rosa’s first national event, and despite having racked up two medals at the south regional event earlier this year, she laughs that she’s “a little bit nervous” about competing in Christchurch.
Former Nayland teacher and coach Stefan Lang helps the “Special O” athletes with their training and says he loves the energy they bring.
“They give you 150 per cent – you have to hold them back, if anything.”
Last month, the Motueka Bridge Club held a series of fundraisers to help Michael and Rosa with the costs of their trip to Christchurch.
Speaking to the club members, Stefan mentioned Michael’s determination, recalling that when he started training him 18 months ago, he encouraged the youth to follow him in the pool. Now when they race, the pair are neck-and-neck.
“And Rosa, like a lot of people, just floats,” he says. “You just need to get some propulsion, and she’s away.”
Rosa’s support team includes Jan Trafford, Diane Enoka, Maree Satherley and Di Saunders, while Michael’s helpers are Ron Argue and Alison McMillan.
Their biggest supporters of all - their mums Julie and Jodi – will be in Christchurch alongside them, seeking them out among the 1200 Special Olympics athletes and cheering poolside at the four-day event.
