Chris Arbuthnott is aiming for Rio

Chris Arbuthnott was born with an arm that wasn’t formed from the elbow down.

The Year 12 swimmer at Palmerston North Boys’ High School hasn’t let his disability hinder him.

In fact Arbuthnott was once a keen rugby player, Arbuthnott recalls: “I used to play on the wing. I would often get confused looks when I caught the ball like everybody else”

At the age of 12 Arbuthnott decided to take up competitive swimming and was on the podium very quickly when he won five medals at the 2011 Paralympics New Zealand Nationals. From there he was selected into the high performance Paralympic New Zealand team in 2013 and gained international classification at the NSW state championships in Sydney 2014. 

Arbuthnott competes in the S9 category. This class describes the minimal impairments of eligible swimmers with physical impairment. Eligible impairments would be the loss of a hand or arm or both feet and a significantly limited function of one hip joint.

Arbuthnott trains 12 hours a week. He holds the national records for the following events: 50m backstroke, 50/100/200m breaststroke and 50/200m butterfly.

In August 2014, Arbuthnott qualified for the Pan Pacific championships in Pasadena and finished a respectable sixth in the 100m breaststroke. Arbuthnott says,

“Pasadena was a real learning curve. It was the first time I had competed in a major international race. I was pleased with my result because I was nervous and know I can do a lot better.”

Arbuthnott aspires to reach the Rio Olympics in 2016. He may face stiff competition from Jesse Reynolds.

The Hamilton Boys’ High School old boy is now based in Auckland and he holds the following national records in the same category: 400/1500m freestyle, 100m backstroke, 100m, butterfly, 200/400m medley.

Arbuthnott says, “I have beaten Jesse before. Our rivalry is a respectful one. He is a few years older than me. We bring out the best in each other.”

Arbuthnott says all of New Zealand’s elite swimmers share a special bond because of their shared experiences.

Arbuthnott is good friends with Sophie Pascoe and Marry Fisher who are both Paralympics champions.

“I really respect Marry and Sophie. They are an inspiration. I am proud to be representing my country. I am grateful for the support that I receive. It’s exciting that we are all doing so well.”

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