28 Jul 2011

Kean hopes he and coach have long, fruitful relationship

7:34 am on 28 July 2011

The New Zealand teenager Gareth Kean says his relationship with coach Gary Hurring has never been better, and he hopes the pair remain together for a long time yet.

The Commonwealth Games silver medallist recorded a third straight personal best in the 100 metre backstroke final, clocking 53.50 seconds, breaking the New Zealand record he set earlier in the week.

Although Kean's swim was only good enough for last in the eight-man final, the 19-year-old was more than pleased with the result as he turns his focus to his preferred event the 200 metre backstroke.

Hurring won a silver medal in the same event at the 1978 world championships, and Kean says the Wellington coach has been instrumental to his success.

Both Lauren Boyle and Glenn Snyders went under the old national records in semi-finals of the 200 metre freestyle and 50 metre breaststroke respectively, but neither swimmer was fast enough to qualify for the final.