Moss Burmester
A New Zealand swimmer who carved his name into Commonwealth history with a blistering 200m butterfly record at the Beijing Olympics.
Born 1981 (age 45)·New Zealand swimmer and diver·Birthday: June 19·Millennials
Biography
Moss Burmester emerged from the coastal city of Tauranga as a versatile talent, initially excelling in both swimming and diving. His focus narrowed to the pool, where the grueling 200-meter butterfly became his signature event. The 2008 Beijing Olympics were his defining moment; though he narrowly missed the podium, his fourth-place finish came with a stunning Commonwealth record time that still stands. Burmester's career was a testament to resilience, battling through injuries and the intense pressure of international competition. His powerful, relentless style in the water made him a mainstay of New Zealand teams for nearly a decade, inspiring a generation of young swimmers back home with his work ethic and his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Moss was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Moss Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Moss's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Set the Commonwealth record in the 200m butterfly (1:54.35) at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
- Competed for New Zealand at three consecutive Olympic Games (2004, 2008, 2012).
- Won a silver medal in the 200m butterfly at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
Did You Know?
He was a national junior champion in diving before focusing solely on competitive swimming.
His nickname is 'Moss the Boss'.
He carried the New Zealand flag at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
“The 200 fly is pure pain, but that pain is where you find your limit.”
