Dual Olympic champion Danyon Loader will make a return to competitive swimming later this month, in the New Zealand ocean swimming series.

"The series is a fantastic way to regain a little fitness and help raise awareness of overall water safety issues," Loader told New Zealand TV.

"I have no illusions about competing with the elites but will be doing my best to get in great shape and not embarrass myself.

Loader, 34, won gold in the 200 and 400 metres freestyle at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and ended his career after failing in his attempt to qualify for New Zealand's team for Sydney Games.

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