Paralympics New Zealand has recognised Sandra Blewett with the PNZ
Order of Merit for outstanding service to Paralympics New Zealand and
Para sport in the country.
Her mother Courtney O’Reilly said Lake Brunner’s water temperature was 15 degrees
[Celsius] “and that’s probably what we can expect, if not colder, in Foveaux.” She added ocean temperatures in Auckland had been between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius. O’Reilly’s parents, coach and a swimming friend will be in the support boat following her when she makes her attempt on Foveaux Strait. “It can be nerve-wracking for parents in the boat [as swims unfold],” Courtney O’Reilly said. She was in the support team when O’Reilly, at the age of 12, became the youngest female and New Zealander to swim Cook Strait (22km) in 2017.