Hastings congratulates Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule has hailed the success of Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell at the Beijing Olympics, describing them as local and national heroes.

“It’s a proud moment for New Zealand to achieve at that level, but it’s particularly inspiring for Hastings to see Caroline and Georgina proving themselves the best in the world, and then defending that title four years later.”

Mr Yule said a welcoming parade for the twins was being planned, as well as a more lasting recognition of their achievement such as naming a street.

“Caroline and Georgina are among our most successful sportspeople ever, and an incredible example to the next generation of what determination and hard work can achieve.”

The Olympic gold in Beijing is just the latest accolade in a long line of awards for Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell; including Olympic Champions 2004 in Athens; World Championship winners 2002 in Seville, Spain, again in 2003 at Milan, Italy and in 2005 at Gifu, Japan, a bronze medal in 2006 at Eton and silver medal in 2007 at Munich. They were also named FISA crew of the year in 2003 and Halberg Team of the Year winners in 2001.