Countless laps and calculated dreams

In the 12 months leading up to the Games, Hazel dedicated herself to training harder than ever, strengthening her relationship with her coach and sharpening her focus for the upcoming event. Still riding the high from Paris, she reflects on the experience as a highlight of both her athletic career and her life.

“It was an amazing experience. I had the best time and learned so much. The experience was invaluable and to have earned the privilege to compete on such a prestigious stage was an honour in and of itself. I’m proud of what I achieved and feel I am only starting to break the surface of what I’m capable of.”

Throughout the event, Hazel shared behind-the-scenes footage of her Paris experiences on social media. This not only connected her with family and supporters but also fostered a sense of camaraderie with her fellow athletes, enhancing the overall experience.

“I enjoy being active on social media; it comes naturally to me. I enjoy sharing my experiences with those who may never have the opportunity to do the same, as well as with swimmers and other athletes whose dreams are to one day represent their country on an international stage. I hope to inspire them along the way.”

Hazel says she finds it hard to limit the most interesting part of her Games experience to any one thing, but resonates with Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen, who went viral for his love of the muffins served at the Village cafeteria.

“Those triple chocolate gooey muffins were fantastic! The most memorable part for me was the new friendships and connections I made. The memories we created together are ones I’ll cherish forever.”

Originally from Waikato and growing up in the small town of Te Pahu, Hazel joined the Te Awamutu Swimming Club at six years old, beginning her 18-year journey in competitive swimming. After all these years, the smell of chlorine barely registers when she walks into a pool, but the benefits she gains from swimming remain unwavering.

“I love how all my thoughts, personal issues and work problems simply fade when I’m in the water. It’s the most effective way to turn off my brain, and I find it incredibly satisfying to focus entirely on the present and dedicate myself to a training set or race.”

Another talent Hazel discovered early was her love of numbers, which led her to excel in maths and decide at 14 that her future career would be in accounting.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers and graduated with a Bachelor of Accountancy from Massey in 2021. I appreciate the synergy in accounting, how everything has a place and is meant to balance – it satisfies my OCD. While I mostly kept my sport and studies separate, I always felt encouraged by my Massey whānau.”

For Hazel, finding the perfect balance between studying, working and being an athlete had its challenges, but she believes if you want something enough, you’ll do everything in your power to make it work.

“There will be sacrifices along the way, and many times you’ll have to say no to social invitations. There will be early mornings, late nights, maybe even tears and moments when you question whether everything you’re doing is worth it and you want to give up. But there will also be moments when everything you’ve worked so hard for comes together and you realise it is truly worth it. If it were easy, everyone would do it!”

Since graduating, Hazel still keeps a busy schedule.

“I don’t have an awful lot of downtime. In addition to swimming, I work 25 hours a week as an accountant. When I can, I enjoy outdoor walks, good food, socialising, reading and going on adventures whenever I have the energy at the end of the week!”

With her debut Games behind her, Hazel says she’s far from being done with swimming and envisions another Games in her future.

“I’ve learned that I am capable of so much more than I ever thought possible, and I continue to surprise myself even now.”