18 Apr 2015

Boyle joined by fellow NZer at World Champs

6:16 am on 18 April 2015

There'll be two New Zealand swimmers competing in the women's 400 and 800 metre freestyle events at the world champs in Russia later this year.

The country's leading swimmer Lauren Boyle will be joined by Wellington's Emma Robinson who also posted a World Championship qualifying time after finishing second to Boyle in the 800 final of the New Zealand Open champs in Auckland.

Lauren Boyle

Lauren Boyle Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Boyle set the third fastest time of the year in winning the event and says while it was five seconds outside her best time having another New Zealander qualify is a big achievement.

"It's fantastic, I don't think we've had two people in those events for a really long time," she said.

"I think it just says something about the depth of New Zealand swimming growing, especially in those events."

Eight swimmers have now qualified for the world championships in Kazan in 12 events along with two open water swimmers.