FORMER Tornado Tash Hind will be heading to Beijing this summer as part of the New Zealand Olympic squad.
The 18-year-old, who swam for the South Dorset Tornadoes in 2001, has qualified for the 4x200m freestyle relay team.
Originally, Hind narrowly missed out on a place in the four-strong line-up after qualifying fifth in the Auckland trials, but when Melissa Ingram opted out due to a clash with her 200m backstroke event at Beijing the Victoria University student was next in line to take the final spot.
Hind, who said it was a big surprise but a good one," swam a personal best to make the required qualifying time and joins 11 other swimmers as part of the New Zealand contingent.
Tash's grandfather Terry, president of Chickerell United FC, said: "I'm over the moon and very proud of her. It came as a bit of a shock because Tash qualified as fifth fastest but then one of the top four dropped out so Tash took the final spot.
"We're all chuffed to bits for her because just to get there is a big achievement. Health permitting I'll be there as well. A lot of credit should also go to her parents who are totally dedicated to her sporting commitments. I believe her sister Georgia will also go on to compete in the Olympics."
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Father Steve Hind, a former Weymouth resident who emigrated to New Zealand in 1986, added: "She was ranked about eighth, but a year of hard work and the ability to grab the opportunity at the trials saw her overtake some more fancied rivals."
As part of her preparation for the Olympics in August, Hind will go on an eight-day training camp in Japan but will be forced to withdraw from the Life Saving World Championships in Germany due to her Beijing commitments.
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