Danyon Loader

Who is Danyon Loader?

Danyon Joseph Loader, ONZM is an Olympic champion, former World Record holding swimmer from New Zealand, based in Dunedin. He remains the national record holder in the 400 and 1500 metre freestyle short course.

He swam for New Zealand at two Summer Olympics and three Commonwealth Games.

At the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, he garnered a silver medal in the 200 metre butterfly. In 1996 in Atlanta, Loader won two gold medals: in the 200 and 400 metre freestyle. He set world records in the short course 200 butterfly and 400 freestyle; and was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2003.

He has recently reappeared on the local swimming scene after years spent away from it. He is now interested in coaching and takes part in youth development programmes. He is currently coaching at Raumati Swimming Club with fellow swim star Jon Winter.

In December 2012, Loader starred in an online video campaign supporting gay marriage, alongside New Zealand singers Anika Moa, Hollie Smith and Boh Runga, as well as former Governor-General Dame Catherine Tizard.