Disqualification Shakes Up New Zealand Ocean Swim Series
Australian Trent Grimsey has been stripped of his recent State Harbour Crossing title at the New Zealand Ocean Swim Series. Grimsey won the 2.9km open water swim across the Waitemata Harbour this past Sunday by more than a minute, but allegations have since come to light that he obstructed another competitor about a third of the way through the race. Such behavior is illegal under the rules of the New Zealand Ocean Swim Series.
State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series event director Scott Rice made a decision to disqualify the English Channel record holder.
“Trent is an outstanding swimmer in superb form, but we have to ensure that every competitor is given an equal opportunity to win, and in this case that didn’t happen,” explained Rice.
Grimsey commented on the disqualification, “I received a call from the race director late yesterday afternoon where he advised me of his decision to disqualify me. I am obviously extremely disappointed with the decision and I dispute the allegations made. I confirm it is my understanding that no complaint was received by the race director from any competitor in the race to bring about this action. Unfortunately I am in a position where this race is not run according to FINA, Swimming New Zealand or Surf Life Saving rules. If such rules governed this race, I believe there would have been a different outcome. Unfortunately in these circumstances the race director has applied the rules of his race, and I will have to abide by the decision. I will be reassessing my further participation in the series in light of these developments.”
The surprising decision has a major impact on the overall series. Codie Grimsey is now the leader after two of the six races, with New Zealander Phillip Ryan moved up to second. For the State Harbour Crossing, Hurst was given first place with Codie Grimsey in second, and South African Troy Prinsloo in third.
Before being disqualified, Trent Grimsey had the maximum 200 points after also winning the State Paihia Classic last month.
Copyright © 2012 by Open Water Source
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.
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