Ocean Swimmer
Sandra was never a fish out of water. In fact, she was quite the opposite. Ever since she first learnt to swim at the Parnell baths at the age of 10, Sandra knew she was meant to swim. Throughout her extensive career as an athlete and coach, Sandra completed 56 marathon swims. Her most notable achievements include:
1977 – Catalina Channel
1978 – Lake Taupō – Stump Bay to Taupō
1983 – English Channel
1984 – Cook Strait
1986 – Lake Taupō – Taupō-Waihi-Taupō
1988 – Foveaux Strait
M.B.E
In 1991, her success as a marathon swimmer earned her an M.B.E (Member of the British Empire) by Queen. She was presented her M.B.E by Dame Cath, the Governor General of New Zealand at Government House in Wellington.
As well as being a successful swimmer, Sandra was also an excellent teacher. She was an advanced swimming instructor for both non-disabled and disabled swimmers. She has coached Olympians and Paralympians and started up several swim schools over the years.
In 1996 she became a para swimming classifier, a duty she performed all the way up until retirement in 2022. As an advocate for disabled people in sport, she was the Executive Director for Parafed Auckland (Disability Sport Auckland) from 1998-2003. Paralympics New Zealand awarded her the PNZ Order of Merit for outstanding services in 2022.
Even in her retirement at Pakuranga Park, Sandra continued to teach. Holding private recovery sessions and swimming lessons for her peers. Her dedication to the sport she loved so dearly was evident to all those around her.
A memorial plaque was made in her memory near where her parents are buried in Z Block at Purewa.
Courtesy of Isambard Productions Limited.
From material made available by Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision.
Sandra Lee Blewett M.B.E
Died 2024
Block Z/01A/H
