Summary
IT'S a cliche but it's true. Back home, New Zealanders lambast their own sporting representatives when performances don't match high hopes. But, as the Athens Olympics have once again shown, we can punch above our weight internationally. We have great images of the Evers-Swindell twins, Caroline and Georgina, in the rowing -- remember their first names; it will be a shame if they become known just as the twins -- Sarah Ulmer in the cycling and the unforgettable triathlon victory of Hamish Carter followed closely home by Bevan Docherty. Palmerston North Boys' High School old boy Ben Fouhy's great performance to take silver in the kayaking on Friday evening (New Zealand time) was another highlight. We have more gold medals than Chile, Indonesia, Switzerland, South Africa and Argentina. Our athletes can hold their heads high.
Yes, there were disappointments, particularly in the board sailing and equestrian events where we might have expected more. The kayaking also had its inexplicable moments. But other athletes performed creditably and while they come home without medals, they did better than their best. Again, it will have been emphasised to them as they compete in a fiercely nationalistic competition just how much some governments support their athletes. Comparatively, New Zealand is quite stingy.See the full content of this document
Extract
Much to Be Proud of; at Athens Olympics
One aspect of the medals table which has stood out in Athens is the arrival of China and Japan as heavy...
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