NZ triathlon on top of the world

Triathlon New Zealand has today had confirmation that all six athletes nominated for the Beijing Olympic Games will indeed be on the start line in August.

While athletes had met the criteria and the NZOC had approved their selection, the final approval came from the International Triathlon Union yesterday when the ITU’s 2 year qualification period ended following the Vancouver World Championships.

Essentially that process finds the top 8 countries in the sport, each of which earns 3 spots on the start line in either men’s or women’s races (rankings are separate for both).

In an incredible story for a country the size of New Zealand, the sport of triathlon here has topped the Olympic qualification rankings in men and is ranked second in the women, clearly marking New Zealand as the current number one nation in the sport worldwide based on the depth of its third ranked athletes.

Triathlon NZ CEO Dave Beeche says it is a huge achievement for the sport.

“Earning 3 automatic spots on the start line in both men’s and women’s races at Beijing is no mean feat. Competition in the sport is growing day by day with new countries and new athletes making great improvements in their performances and rankings, putting pressure on some of the traditional power houses in the sport. It is incredible to think that Spain and Australia are two that have missed the maximum representation of athletes, putting in perspective just how competitive the sport is worldwide.

“This is testament to our qualification programme but also to the depth of athletes we have on the world stage. Take it one step further and consider that other countries would love to have the likes of Terenzo Bozzone and Nicky Samuels racing for them in Beijing, and they are both fourth ranked in New Zealand and have missed games selection. In Bevan, Kris, Shane, Sam, Debbie and Andrea we have one of the strongest teams we have ever sent away to a major championship, one that will do us proud I’m sure.”

The International Triathlon Union ranks countries for the purpose of awarding starting positions in both men’s and women’s races, with fields limited to 55 athletes in each.

New Zealand Olympic Team

Bevan Docherty Taupo

Kris Gemmell Palmerston North

Shane Reed New Plymouth

Samantha Warriner Whangarei

Debbie Tanner Auckland

Andrea Hewitt Christchurch