Whanganui's Tania Roundthwaite wins national freediving title by default

Whanganui's Tania Roundthwaite cuts a lonely figure in the women's division of the New Zealand Freediving Depth Nationals in Taupo.

Whanganui free diver Tania Rounthwaite has won the women's competition at the New Zealand Freediving Depth Nationals in Taupo albeit by default.

Roundthwaite was far from happy with her performances, but as the only female competitor this year, she was gifted the women's title.

"I didn't fare as well as hoped and only managed 41m FIM (free immersion – pulling up and down the line) and got to 36m in CWT (Constant weight – swimming with the monofin) when
I had to turn early as I couldn't equalise my ears," Roundthwaite said.

She had nominated 46m for her CWT dive.

Her ears were still sore on the last day so she was unable to dive in the third discipline, the CNF (constant no fins).

While her depths were well off last year's 51m FIM and 55m CWT, Roundthwaite only managed to get in four depth training sessions in the days leading up to this year's competition.

"Due to having back surgery last year, I haven't competed in any competitions since last year's Depth Nationals and have only recently been able to really get back into training, so am still working to get back to competition form. I really enjoyed getting back to depth though.

The Whanganui District Council human resources officer is on the hunt for training buddies so if anyone is keen to give it a go, or is able to assist, feel free to contact her.