Gareth Kean to take break from pool

Read The New Zealand Herald

Olympic swimmer Gareth Kean has decided to take a break away from the sport but few reasons have been given for his sudden departure.

The 22-year-old will miss next week’s national championships in Auckland, which double as the Commonwealth Games trial.

Kean, who won a silver medal at the Delhi Commonwealth Games in the 200m backstroke, said he needs some time away after more than a decade dedicated to the sport.

“I just don’t have the passion that it takes to be the best I can be right now,” Kean said. “I believe I could qualify for Glasgow but I do not want to go there to make up the numbers. If I am not in the sort of shape to win a gold medal, then I am not doing justice to myself, my family and to the public of New Zealand. Right now I am struggling to make that commitment.”