Olympic dream for Massey High student

Olympic dream: Daniel Bell is training for international glory. Photo: JAMES MADELIN

By Justin Latif

A near death experience prompted Massey High School pupil Daniel Bell to take swimming lessons.

Eight years later, he's an Australasian record holder and one of the country's most promising young competitors.

Daniel was nine when a cross rip dragged him 150 metres towards a reef while he was boogie boarding at Waimarama near Hastings.

The youngster, who couldn't swim, panicked - letting go of his board and struggling to keep his head above water.

He was sucked under several times before a family friend rescued him.

Daniel's mother insisted he get lessons and it quickly became clear that her son had a natural talent.

Within months he won a regional event and finished sixth at a national competition.

His winning form grows stronger by the day.

Daniel, 17, has just returned from the trans-tasman series in Australia where he broke the Australasian record for the 200m backstroke, won 11 gold medals and was named male swimmer of the event - securing a second place ranking in the world for his age group.

The former Hawke's Bay resident moved to west Auckland six months ago to take his performances to the next level.

"There are better facilities and more coaches available up here," he says. "And just more competition really."

Daniel stays with top west Auckland swimmer Jamie Johns and her family in Massey, where he attends the suburb's high school.

The arrangement suits him fine.

"There's definitely an advantage living with a swimming family because of the commitment involved," he says.

"Since I've moved up here I've been doing anywhere between six to eight sessions a week."

Daniel is aiming for the London Olympics in 2012, where he plans to break on to the world swimming scene.

"Somewhere along the line I want to go to the Olympics," he says.

"Everyone wants a gold medal.

"I tend not to get my hopes up but it's always in the back of your mind."