Building towards Glasgow: Shaping New Zealand Swimming’s podium push

Central to this effort is HPSNZ Coaching Consultant Craig Palmer, whose work alongside Swimming New Zealand’s high performance coaches – Graham Hill, Michael Weston and Simon Mayne – is providing both structure and challenge across the cycle.

Craig’s focus goes well beyond race-day outcomes, working to ensure coaches are equipped, connected and aligned around what it takes to win on the world stage.

At the heart of his approach is supporting coaches to clearly define gold medal standards and map where their athletes sit against them.

From there, Craig works with coaches to build and “stress test” campaign plans, ensuring they are robust, adaptable and prepared for the inevitable challenges of elite sport.

“The bit that can really make or break a high performance campaign is how well you deal with setbacks,” Craig explains, highlighting the importance of planning not just for success, but for uncertainty.

Craig’s work also centres on three key pillars: support, connection and capability, connecting coaches within swimming and beyond it.

That includes facilitating cross-sport learning opportunities, such as bringing Michael into the Crusaders environment alongside coaches from rowing, athletics and cycling.

“The experience exposed him to new ways of thinking, which he could bring back into the pool environment,” says Craig.

Equally valuable has been time spent embedded in daily training and international campaigns.

Craig joined Michael for an altitude training camp in Flagstaff, Arizona, and travelled to major competitions including the Australian Open Championships, experiences that allow him to better understand coaching environments and pressures, and tailor his support accordingly.

For Swimming New Zealand Head of High Performance, Graeme Maw, the impact of HPSNZ’s support, and Craig’s role in particular, has been significant.

“Craig is invaluable to us,” Graeme says.

“His experience and thoughtfulness about the coaching process really support our top coaches. He’s fundamental in helping them master what it takes to win and in building stronger collaboration across the coaching group.”

That collaboration is critical as the programme builds towards Glasgow, a key milestone at the midpoint of the LA 2028 cycle.

Following a post-Paris reset, the Commonwealth Games represents a vital benchmark to test progress, performance processes and podium potential.

“We know we’re not the finished product,” Graeme says, “but it’s a great opportunity to learn to get on the podium, test our systems and understand what we need to refine heading towards 2028.”

The competitive depth of Commonwealth swimming ensures that benchmark will be meaningful.

Facing powerhouse nations including Australia, England and Canada, New Zealand swimmers will need to perform at a world-class level, making Glasgow both a target in its own right and a crucial proving ground.

Importantly, this campaign is underpinned by a broader HPSNZ APS network, working closely with coaches and athletes in daily training environments, particularly within the growing Auckland-based centre of excellence.

Specialists across performance science, medicine, nutrition and wellbeing are embedded in the programme, ensuring swimmers and coaches are supported holistically as they prepare for the demands of international competition.

Travelling with the swim team to Glasgow will be HPSNZ Performance Physiotherapist Rebecca Longhurst and Senior Performance Technique Analyst (PTA), Matt Ingram.

While LA 2028 remains the ultimate objective, the message is clear: Glasgow matters. It is where plans are tested, connections are strengthened, and belief is built—one race, one performance, and one campaign at a time.