Danyon Joseph Loader (born 21 April 1975) is a New Zealand Olympic champion and former world record holder swimmer, based in Dunedin. He remains the national record holder in the 400 metre freestyle short course.
He swam for New Zealand at two Summer Olympics (1992 and 1996) and three Commonwealth Games (1990, 1994 and 1998).
Early life Loader was born in Timaru to Daphne (née Robinson) and Peter Loader.
Swimming career 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.
Personal life Loader is married to Claudia.
In December 2012, Loader starred in an online video campaign supporting same-sex marriage, alongside New Zealand singers Anika Moa, Hollie Smith, and Boh Runga, as well as past Governor-General Dame Catherine Tizard.
Honours and awards In 1990, Loader received the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal. In the 1997 New Year Honours, he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to swimming, and he was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2003.
See also List of members of the International Swimming Hall of Fame List of Commonwealth Games medallists in swimming (men) List of Olympic medalists in swimming (men) World record progression 200 metres butterfly World record progression 400 metres freestyle
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