Latest news with #TeamNZ
Scoop
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scoop
Back-To-Back Bronzes For New Zealand At Rhine-Ruhr 2025 World University Games
Press Release – Team NZ – World University Games Team NZs first medal of the Games came on the water in Duisburg, where Frances Casey and Isobel Watson delivered a composed and commanding race in the Womens Rowing Pair final. Middle-distance runner Kimberley May followed up with New Zealands … New Zealand is celebrating a double bronze medal moment at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, with two podium finishes delivered just minutes apart and in two different cities – ending the team's campaign in an unforgettable fashion. Team NZ's first medal of the Games came on the water in Duisburg, where Frances Casey and Isobel Watson delivered a composed and commanding race in the Women's Rowing Pair final. The duo made a strong start off the line and held their position throughout the course, maintaining their rhythm under pressure from a world-class field. Their consistency and control paid off as they crossed the line in third to secure New Zealand's first medal of the Games. Moments later, in nearby Bochum, middle-distance runner Kimberley May followed up with New Zealand's second bronze medal in the Women's 1500m final. May was the sixth qualifier for the final after winning her heat in 4:17.06. These back-to-back bronze medals brought an electric buzz to the New Zealand team camp, giving the entire delegation a shared moment to celebrate as the Games came to a close. University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand Executive Director and Deputy Head of Delegation for the Games Sarah Anderson reflected on the emotional final day: 'To have two medals come in almost simultaneously, in two different cities, was incredibly special. It lifted the whole team and reminded us all of what's possible. Kimberley, Frances, and Isobel have done themselves and New Zealand proud.' While the medals were a standout moment, New Zealand's broader performance at the Games reflected the strength and resilience of its emerging student-athletes on the world stage. Across sports including athletics, rowing, 3×3 basketball, fencing, archery, taekwondo, water polo, gymnastics, and beach volleyball, Kiwi athletes produced numerous personal bests, notable fourth place finishes, and consistent top-10 results. Competing against some of the world's best including Olympians, world champions, and athletes from powerhouse sporting nations, Team NZ showed it could hold its own, earning respect and recognition for their skill, sportsmanship, and team spirit. Held across five cities – Bochum, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Essen, and Mülheim an der Ruhr – the Rhine Ruhr 2025 Games brought together more than 8,500 student-athletes from over 170 countries. With friendships made, standards lifted, and the fern flying high, the team now turns its eyes toward the future with the 2027 Summer World University Games in Chungcheong, South Korea already on the horizon.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scoop
Back-To-Back Bronzes For New Zealand At Rhine-Ruhr 2025 World University Games
New Zealand is celebrating a double bronze medal moment at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, with two podium finishes delivered just minutes apart and in two different cities – ending the team's campaign in an unforgettable fashion. Team NZ's first medal of the Games came on the water in Duisburg, where Frances Casey and Isobel Watson delivered a composed and commanding race in the Women's Rowing Pair final. The duo made a strong start off the line and held their position throughout the course, maintaining their rhythm under pressure from a world-class field. Their consistency and control paid off as they crossed the line in third to secure New Zealand's first medal of the Games. Moments later, in nearby Bochum, middle-distance runner Kimberley May followed up with New Zealand's second bronze medal in the Women's 1500m final. May was the sixth qualifier for the final after winning her heat in 4:17.06. These back-to-back bronze medals brought an electric buzz to the New Zealand team camp, giving the entire delegation a shared moment to celebrate as the Games came to a close. University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand Executive Director and Deputy Head of Delegation for the Games Sarah Anderson reflected on the emotional final day: 'To have two medals come in almost simultaneously, in two different cities, was incredibly special. It lifted the whole team and reminded us all of what's possible. Kimberley, Frances, and Isobel have done themselves and New Zealand proud.' While the medals were a standout moment, New Zealand's broader performance at the Games reflected the strength and resilience of its emerging student-athletes on the world stage. Across sports including athletics, rowing, 3x3 basketball, fencing, archery, taekwondo, water polo, gymnastics, and beach volleyball, Kiwi athletes produced numerous personal bests, notable fourth place finishes, and consistent top-10 results. Competing against some of the world's best including Olympians, world champions, and athletes from powerhouse sporting nations, Team NZ showed it could hold its own, earning respect and recognition for their skill, sportsmanship, and team spirit. Held across five cities - Bochum, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Essen, and Mülheim an der Ruhr - the Rhine Ruhr 2025 Games brought together more than 8,500 student-athletes from over 170 countries. With friendships made, standards lifted, and the fern flying high, the team now turns its eyes toward the future with the 2027 Summer World University Games in Chungcheong, South Korea already on the horizon.
NZ Herald
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Gisborne dancers qualify for Hip Hop Unite World Championships
Gisborne's Paul Hawaikirangi and Kylah Ashwell, aka 98 Cents, have qualified for the Hip Hop Unite world championships in Prague in October. Gisborne dance duo Kylah Ashwell and Paul Hawaikirangi will be hotstepping 18,200km to the Czech Republic for the Hip Hop Unite World Championships. Better known in hip-hop circles as 98 Cents, Ashwell and Hawaikirangi will be part of the Team NZ contingent heading to Prague in October to mix it
Scoop
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
85 Kiwi Athletes Gear Up To Compete On International Stage
A team of 85 student-athletes will represent New Zealand across multiple sports at the FISU World University Games, held in Germany from 16-27 July. The FISU World University Games are the world's second largest multi-sport event after the Olympics, bringing together around 8,500 student-athletes and officials from over 150 countries to compete for medals in 18 sports. For many athletes, the World University Games are a key stepping stone on the pathway to the Commonwealth Games and Olympic competition. Team NZ comprises athletes from universities and tertiary institutes across New Zealand and overseas. They will compete in a range of sports, including archery, athletics, 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball, fencing, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, taekwondo, rowing, and water polo. Chef De Mission Evelyn Williamson says the Games are a moment of national pride and opportunity. 'Having 85 student-athletes wearing the silver fern on the international stage is a point of immense pride for New Zealand. It's not just about participation, it's about showing the world that our small nation consistently punches above its weight in sport,' she says. 'The Games are a unique opportunity for athletes to perform at an elite level and gain experience in a high-performance environment. It's where future Olympians are forged.' New Zealand's history at the Games includes alumni such as Eliza McCartney, Zoe Hobbs, Hamish Kerr, Anthony Mosse, and Lauren Boyle, athletes who have gone on to become household names. For this year's cohort, the Games offer the chance to follow in their footsteps. 'What stands out most is the dedication these athletes show, balancing study, intense training, and often part-time work. 'Their achievements deserve to be celebrated not just for their sporting prowess, but for the commitment, resilience, and time management it takes to compete at this level.' From 16 to 27 July, the Rhine-Ruhr cities of Bochum, Duisburg, and Essen will host 12 days of world-class sport. With all venues located in proximity, the Games will create a vibrant atmosphere, bringing together athletes, officials, media, and fans from around the world. As Team NZ heads to Germany, Kiwis across the country are encouraged to follow their journey, share in their success, and support the rising stars of New Zealand sport. Notes: The delegation will be led by University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand (UTSNZ), the organisation responsible for fostering competitive sport within the tertiary sector and promoting opportunities for student-athletes to represent New Zealand on the world stage. Follow Team NZs journey on UTSNZ's Instagram and Facebook. The full Team NZ can be found on the UTSNZ website. Some Team NZ athletes are New Zealand citizens currently studying at international universities. Attached image (left to right): Victoria Li, Alexi Evett, Abby Wheeler, Sophia Tweddle. Credit: Colin McDiarmid.
CNA
20-06-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Sailing-America's Cup-winning skipper Burling joins Luna Rossa after Team NZ split
Three-times America's Cup winning helmsman Peter Burling has joined Italian team Luna Rossa after leaving New Zealand ahead of the 2027 edition of sailing's most prestigious competition, the team announced on Friday. Italy will host the America's Cup for the first time in 2027, with Naples set to stage the 38th edition. Burling, 34, links up with the Italians just two months after ending his long-standing relationship with defenders New Zealand, with whom he won the Cup in 2017 and retained it in 2021 and 2024. Burling joined Team NZ after winning gold and silver medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics sailing with teammate Blair Tuke. The former New Zealand skipper will support both the sailing operations and technical development at Luna Rossa as they prepare for their latest Cup campaign. In addition to his three Olympic medals Burling also has six world titles in the 49er class, and is regarded as one of the sport's leading talents. "I've always loved racing against Luna Rossa and now to join this iconic team is a real honour. The innovation and competitiveness they bring to the Cup has always inspired me," Burling said in a statement. "I'm grateful for the warm welcome and I'm looking forward to working hard alongside a world-class team, doing my part to help win Luna Rossa's first America's Cup." CEO of Luna Rossa Max Sirena said, "Even though his exact role has yet to be defined, he will certainly be part of the sailing team, reinforcing Luna Rossa's core leadership group and contributing to key areas of our development program.
