Strong athletics team for Paris
Two former Olympic medallists and a pair of reigning world indoor champions have earned selection as part of the initial 15-strong athletics team to represent New Zealand at Paris.
Following an impressive outing at the world indoor championships in Glasgow last month, when New Zealand secured two gold and two silver medals, anticipation is high.
Among the selections is Hamish Kerr, fresh from his record-setting
2.36m high jump victory at the world indoors and national record, aiming to make history as the first Kiwi to clinch an Olympic medal in the event.
Joining him is Geordie Beamish, set for his Olympic debut in the men’s
3000m steeplechase, marking New Zealand’s return to the event at the Games after four decades.
Pole vaulter Eliza McCartney, a Rio
2016 bronze medallist, returns alongside rising stars Olivia McTaggart and Imogen Ayris.
In the men’s shot put, the formidable duo of Tom Walsh and Jacko Gill, are set to make their third consecutive Olympic appearances.
Maddi Wesche, already a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, bolsters the shot put line-up, aiming to build on impressive performances.
Sprinting sensation Zoe Hobbs, poised for her Olympic debut in the women’s 100m, is aiming to become the first Kiwi to make an Olympic sprint final in a century.
The team also features seasoned campaigners such as Sam Tanner in the men’s 1500m and Camille French in the marathon, alongside promising talents Connor Bell (discus), Tori Peeters ( javelin), Lauren Bruce (hammer) and Ethan Olivier (triple jump).
“It’s so exciting,” said Hobbs. “I’ve had the dream of going to the Olympics since I was a little kid, I’ve been doing sports since the age of five and it’s something I’ve always wanted to achieve. It’s a real privilege, it’s been a number of years since we’ve had a woman compete in the 100m for New Zealand.”
Athletics will be contested in Paris from July 27 to August 5 at the Stade de France.
All selections are conditional on confirmation of an Olympic quota place, which should be received in early July.