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The start of something extraordinary

FINA World Cup

The Heretaunga Sundevils Head Coach William Benson is enjoying a return to top level swimming.

The coach, who competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, is testing the waters for a planned return to chase qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The 27 year old from Hawkes Bay is New Zealand’s only swimmer in the current FINA World Cup meets in Asia.

Benson made all three finals in the opening meet of the Asian leg in Hong Kong last weekend finishing sixth in the 50m freestyle (23.40), eighth in the 100m freestyle (51.48 in heats) and sixth in the 50m butterfly (24.42 in heats).

He made the final of the 50m butterfly in the second meet in Beijing midweek clocking 24.42 to be sixth, after missing out in the 50m freestyle (23.43) and 100m freestyle (51.49).

Benson will compete in the final leg of the swim in Singapore this weekend.