One of New Zealand's best long-distance female swimmers, Masterton's Kirsten Cameron, set a new record in the 19km Fiji Swims Westin Denerau to Beachcomber Island open water event late last month.
With perfect weather conditions, and plenty of support from her partner on a kayak and from those on a Fijian support boat, Cameron, a member of the Masterton Masters swim group, was the first female across the line in a time of 4h 8min. It was the longest swim she had ever attempted.
"Not only is it the longest swim I have done but it was also a completely different sort of swim from what I have done before," Cameron said afterwards. "It was awesome, though. The water was beautiful - clear and warm - and it was definitely way more fun than swimming 2.5km laps in a rowing basin."
One of five soloists in the event, Cameron lined up at 6am on the beach in front of the Westin Denerau Island Resort and Spa to begin the long journey to Beachcomber Island.
Despite some pre-race nerves the mood by all was fun and light-hearted, helped along by the humour of race starter and Australian Olympic hero Neil Rogers.
The 19km Fiji Swims also attracted five duos and five teams of swimmers ranging in age from 18 to 70, including three-time Olympic gold medallist Shane Gould and 1996 Atlanta Olympics 400m swimmer Malcolm Allen.
Many swimmers use this event as training for upcoming larger events - such as the English Channel and the Cottesloe to Rottnest Swim.
After a day of rest, the famous 1km and 2.7km races were then held in exquisite waters between Treasure Island and Beachcomber Island. Over 60 swimmers participated under the watchful eyes of North Bondi Surf Club lifesavers, who attend each year to provide water safety.
Race director David Handley was delighted with the turnout for the 9th annual Fiji Swims, and is now planning for the 10-year anniversary where teams of 30 people from the USA and Hong Kong are attending, including rumours that outstanding endurance swimmer Dana Vollmer will again be among the starters.