The first strokes towards the London Olympics has been taken by New Zealand's leading open water swimmers in Taupo this weekend.
The first step in qualifying for the 2012 Olympics will be the national 10km championships on Saturday
A top-five finish in the 10km will earn qualification for the Australian open water championships at Penrith in March.
To earn selection to the world championships in Shanghai in July one have to finish in top four or within 20 seconds of the winner in Australia and a top 10 finish there secures automatic selection for London. A second selection event will take place at a later date.
Swimming New Zealand open water national coach Philip Rush described Saturday's swim as "a very important stepping stone" for open water swimmers.
"If they want to get to London, then they have to be ready to take that important first step this weekend. The pressure will go on this weekend for sure.
"The depth of open water swimmers is noticeably improving now that this is an Olympic event and I am impressed with the improvement.
"The men's race has got seven or eight strong candidates and there's really nothing between them so it is going to be a fantastic battle."
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