Swimming: First swim for Olympics

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New Zealand's leading open water swimmers will take their first strokes towards the London Olympics in Taupo this weekend.

The open water stars will contest the national 10km championships on Saturday - the first step in qualifying for the 2012 Olympics.

A top-five finish in the 10km will qualify swimmers for the Australian championships at Penrith in March.

A finish in the top four or within 20 seconds of the winner in Australia will earn swimmers selection to the world championships in Shanghai in July, and a top 10 finish there will secure automatic selection for London. A second selection event will take place at a later date.

Swimming New Zealand open water national coach Philip Rush described Saturday's swim as "a very important stepping stone" for open water swimmers.

"If they want to get to London, then they have to be ready to take that important first step this weekend.

"The depth of open water swimmers is noticeably improving now that this is an Olympic event.

"The men's race has seven or eight strong candidates and there's really nothing between them so it is going to be a fantastic battle."

Rush said Cara Baker looked the swimmer to beat in the women's event, although Alannah Jury was returning to top form.

The national 5km event will be held on Sunday.

- NZPA