Zoë Baker (born 29 February 1976) is a former world record holder in swimming who represented Great Britain until 2005, when she switched allegiance to New Zealand whilst living there.BBC. "Baker to make New Zealand switch". 17 December 2004. Retrieved on 14 June 2013. She later returned to the United Kingdom and she switched her allegiance back to Great Britain in 2011.Zoë Baker's Website. Retrieved 21 June 2013
Swimming career National titles Baker won the ASA National British Championships 50 metres breaststroke title eight times (1992, 1993, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003).
1999 At the 1999 European Aquatics Championships in Istanbul, Baker swam 31.43 seconds in the semifinal of the 50-m breaststroke to set a European record.BBC. "Baker sets new 50 metre record". 29 July 1999. Retrieved on 14 June 2013. She collected a silver medal in the final.BBC. "Double silver for British swimmers". 30 July 1999. Retrieved on 14 June 2013.
2000 Baker earned the silver medal in the 50-m breaststroke at the 2000 European Aquatics Championships in Helsinki, finishing behind Ágnes Kovács of Hungary.Ballard, Bob. "Brave Baker claims silver". BBC, 10 August 2000. Retrieved on 14 June 2013.
2001 Baker won the bronze medal in the 50-m breaststroke at the 2001 FINA World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, finishing with a time of 31.40.BBC. "Baker takes bronze". 27 July 2001. Retrieved on 14 June 2013.
2002 Baker represented England at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester winning the gold medal in the women's 50 m breaststroke in a time of 30.60 seconds.Henderson, Charlie. "Baker charges to gold". BBC, 31 July 2002. Retrieved on 14 June 2013. She also set a world record of 30.57 seconds in the semifinal round of the same event, breaking the previous mark set by Penny Heyns of South Africa.BBC. "Baker smashes world record". 30 July 2002. Retrieved on 14 June 2013. In addition, she set a short-course world record with a mark of 30.53 seconds at the South African National Short Championships in Durban,BBC. "Briton sets world record". 5 January 2002. Retrieved on 14 June 2013. then surpassed that mark later in the same month.BBC. "Baker breaks world record". 27 January 2002. Retrieved on 14 June 2013.
2003 In 2003 Baker collected another medal in the 50-m breaststroke, a bronze at the 2003 FINA World Aquatics Championships in Barcelona behind Chinese swimmer Luo Xuejuan.BBC. "Phelps ends on high". 27 July 2003. Retrieved on 14 June 2013.
2006 At the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne she was 4th in the same event, this time representing New Zealand.BBC. "Swimming: 50m breaststroke". 19 March 2006. Retrieved on 14 June 2013.
2012 In January 2012 Baker switched her allegiance back to Great Britain for international swimming competitions.
Coaching career Baker was the head coach of the Bournemouth Collegiate School Swimming Academy. Baker relocated to Australia in 2022 to take up the head coach role at Peel Aquatic Club, located in Mandurah WA.
See also World record progression 50 metres breaststroke
References
External links