Motueka pair push special olympic selection chances
Swimmers Rosa Doughty and Michael Tideman with their medal haul from the Special Olympics meeting in Greymouth. Photo: Supplied.
Versatile Motueka swimmer Michael Tideman has set his sights on winning gold at the Special Olympics National Games in Christchurch at the end of the year.
The 26-year-old claimed two silvers and a bronze medal when the games were last held three years ago, and was in dominant early season form at the Special Olympics meet on the West Coast at the weekend.
Michael, who is coached by Stef Laing, struck gold in the 100metre freestyle, 100m backstroke and the 100m individual medley. He was also part of the Nelson relay team, alongside Motueka’s Rosa Doughty, that picked up a bronze medal.
Rosa won gold in the 25m breaststroke and another bronze in the 25m backstroke. The 23-year-old also hopes to be selected for her first nationals in December.
The pair joined Motueka Special Olympics when they started at Motueka High School, and are very grateful to the coaches and volunteers who have helped their development over the years.