FROM THE EDITOR

For me the quiet bronzes were the true highlights of the Rio Olympic Games. Who could forget shot putter Tom Walsh’s 21.36 metre throw to secure the medal, New Zealand’s first for Kiwi men in the field.

Then Eliza McCartney, a 19-year-old student from Auckland leapt into our living rooms with a stunning 4.80 metres pole vault, matching her national record. For 24 hours she was our youngest medallist, surpassed only by Lydia Ko, born just four months earlier, when she won her golf silver.

And to cap it all off, our Hutt Valley legend, Nick Willis, came home with bronze in the 1500m. He seized his chance beautifully, weaving through a crowded field to snatch the medal. It may have been the slowest run final since 1932, but it was a golden moment for a star athelete.

The other bronzes were picked up by Laser sailor Sam Meech and Lisa Carrington in the canoe sprint, helping take our medal tally to a stunning 18. - Sharron Pardoe