New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most successful Olympic athletes. From shot putters and swimmers to rowers and track and field athletes, New Zealand has consistently produced world-class Olympic athletes who have achieved incredible success at the Olympic Games.
Some of the greatest Olympic athletes to come out of New Zealand include Peter Snell, Danyon Loader, and Joanna Rowsell-Shand. This article will provide an overview of these remarkable New Zealand athletes, as well as some of the country’s other top Olympic athletes.
1. Lisa Carrington
Dame Lisa Marie Carrington DNZM is an extraordinary athlete who has achieved great success in the world of flatwater canoeing. She is a native of New Zealand and is the country’s most decorated Olympian having won a total of five gold medals and one bronze medal.
Lisa Marie’s rise to international prominence began in 2011 when she won the K1 500m at the World Championships in Szeged, Hungary.
This was the first ever World Championship title for a New Zealander in the sport of flatwater canoeing and the first of many successes for Lisa Marie. In 2012, she won the K1 200m gold medal at the London Olympics, setting an Olympic record in the process and becoming the first New Zealander to win an Olympic gold medal in canoeing.
She defended her Olympic title at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, completing an unprecedented double gold medal feat in the K1 200m.
Lisa Marie also won gold medals in the K1 500m at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games and a bronze medal in the K1 500m at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Lisa Marie Carrington is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.
Her hard work and dedication have been rewarded with five gold medals and one bronze medal, making her the most successful Olympian in New Zealand’s history. She is a true champion and a great ambassador for her country.
2. Valerie Adams
Dame Valerie Kasanita Adams DNZM is an impressive retired New Zealand shot putter.
She is a multiple-time champion in her field, with four World Championships, four World Indoor Championships, two Olympic Gold Medals, three Commonwealth Games Championships, and two IAAF Continental Cup wins.
Her impressive throw of 21.24 metres outdoors and 20.98 metres indoors is a testament to her skill and dedication. Adams has been a force in her sport since she began competing in 2000.
She quickly began to rack up accolades; she was the World Junior Champion at just 18 years old in 2002. She then went on to win the World Championships in 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2011, as well as the World Indoor Championships in 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2012.
At the Olympic Games, Adams performed exceptionally well, winning gold in 2008 Beijing and 2016 Rio. She also won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2006 Melbourne, 2010 Delhi, and 2014 Glasgow.
To top it off, she won the IAAF Continental Cup in 2010 Split and 2014 Marrakesh. This extraordinary athlete has achieved an incredible amount in her career. Her personal best throw of 21.24 metres outdoors and 20.98 metres indoors is a testament to her skill and dedication.
Adams is a true inspiration to athletes everywhere, and an example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination.
3. Zoi Sadowski-Synnott
Zoi Katherine Sadowski-Synnott MNZM is a remarkable snowboarder from New Zealand, who has made a name for herself in slopestyle and big air competitions.
She has achieved tremendous success in the competitive world of snowboarding, garnering numerous awards and accolades for her efforts. Born in 2000, Zoi began snowboarding at a young age, and quickly began to make a name for herself in the sport.
She started competing in slopestyle and big air competitions in 2015, and in 2018, she won the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, becoming the first New Zealander to ever medal in snowboarding.
She went on to win an impressive four gold medals from the 2019 and 2020 FIS World Championships, cementing her place as one of the top snowboarders in the world.In 2020, she was awarded the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her services to snowboarding.
This award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to New Zealand, and is a testament to Zoi’s dedication and commitment to the sport. Zoi Katherine Sadowski-Synnott MNZM is an incredible role model for aspiring young snowboarders.
She is proof that hard work and dedication can pay off, and that it is possible to make a name for yourself in the competitive world of snowboarding.
4. Nico Porteous
Nico Porteous MNZM is an incredible athlete from New Zealand. He is a freestyle skier and has achieved incredible success at a very young age.
He became a household name when he won a bronze medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics, making him the youngest Olympic medalist from New Zealand. He was just sixteen years old at the time of his win. Nico’s success has been celebrated throughout New Zealand.
He has been awarded the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in recognition of his achievements in the sport of skiing. He has become an inspiration for young athletes in New Zealand and across the globe, showing that anyone can achieve greatness no matter their age.
Nico’s bronze medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics was a historic moment for New Zealand. He has shown that with dedication and hard work, anyone can achieve their dreams and make their country proud.
His success has become a source of pride for all New Zealanders and has set an example for aspiring athletes everywhere.
5. Eliza McCartney
Eliza McCartney is a talented track and field athlete from New Zealand. She is best known for competing in the pole vault, for which she won a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Her achievements in the pole vault have earned her records in both New Zealand and Oceania.
Her outdoor world junior record stands at an impressive 4.64 meters, while her New Zealand and Oceania record is 4.94 meters. McCartney has earned recognition across the globe for her athletic achievements.
She is a role model to aspiring athletes in New Zealand and beyond, and her success has inspired many to pursue their dreams of becoming Olympic champions.
Her dedication to her sport and her hard work have paid off in the form of multiple accolades, including the bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. As an athlete, McCartney has demonstrated the power of determination and a commitment to excellence.
She has set a high standard for herself and for others, and her accomplishments serve as a reminder of what is possible with hard work and dedication. Eliza McCartney is a true inspiration to those who strive for greatness.
6. Eric Murray
Eric Gordon Murray CNZM is a celebrated New Zealand rower who has achieved great success in his career. He has won two gold medals in the Olympic Games, one at the 2012 London Olympic Games and another one at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.
In addition to these successes, he has also won six consecutive gold medals in the World Rowing Championships in the coxless pair event, along with two other gold medals in the coxless four and coxed pair events.
His commitment to his sport, and his achievements, have earned him the honor of being appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, in recognition of his services to rowing.
7. Peter Burling
Peter Burling MNZM is an accomplished and renowned New Zealand sailor. He has displayed his immense skill and talent in the sailing world, most recently as the skipper and helmsman of Team New Zealand in the 2021 America’s Cup.
This victory follows his 2017 America’s Cup win as the helmsman of Team New Zealand. Burling has also had great success in the Olympic Games, having won a gold medal in the 49er class at the 2016 games, as well as silver medals at the 2012 and 2020 Olympics.
His medal-winning performances prove his prowess in the world of sailing and demonstrate his commitment to the sport. Burling’s various successes have earned him the respect of the sailing community, and he has been recognized with the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to sailing.
He is an inspiration to aspiring sailors, and his achievements have made him a household name in New Zealand.
8. Blair Tuke
Andrew Blair Tuke MNZM is an accomplished New Zealand sailor who has achieved great success in the Americas Cup and the Olympics.
In 2021, he won the Americas Cup held in Auckland, making this his second victory in the event, as he was also victorious in the 2017 version held in Bermuda.
His achievements in the Summer Olympics are also impressive, with a gold medal in 2016 and a silver medal in 2012, both in the 49er class alongside Peter Burling.
His accomplishments are a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport, and have earned him the recognition and respect of his peers.
9. Lewis Clareburt
Lewis Clareburt is a New Zealand swimmer who has achieved remarkable success on the international stage. He is the current Commonwealth men’s champion for both the 200 metre butterfly and 400 metre individual medley, having won both events at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
His victories mark an impressive feat, as he has conquered two of the most difficult events in swimming.
Clareburt has proven himself to be a formidable competitor in the pool, and his victories are a testament to his dedication and hard work. Clareburt’s success has been a source of national pride for New Zealand, and his performances have been recognized both domestically and internationally.
He has been praised for his commitment and dedication to the sport, and for the fact that he has been able to rise to the top of the Commonwealth rankings.
Clareburt’s success has also had a positive impact on the sport of swimming in New Zealand, and he is seen as an inspiration for aspiring swimmers. The 2022 Commonwealth Games have been a defining moment in Clareburt’s career, and it is likely that he will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the future.
His commitment and drive have been a major factor in his success, and it is clear that he is a true champion in the pool.
10. Aaron Gate
Aaron Gate is an accomplished road and track cyclist from New Zealand. He currently rides for the UCI Continental team Bolton Equities Black Spoke. Gate has achieved great success in track cycling, as he has represented his country in the Summer Olympics in 2012, 2016, and 2020.
He is the first New Zealand athlete to win four gold medals at a single Commonwealth Games, an impressive feat. Gate is an incredibly talented cyclist, and his success in numerous international competitions is admirable.
He has achieved a high level of success in his sport, and he is an inspiration to many.
11. Tom Walsh
Tomas Walsh is an exceptional athlete from New Zealand who specializes in the shot put event. His impressive performance has made him the current national record holder both indoors and outdoors.
Furthermore, his personal best of 22.90 m, set in Doha in October 2019, has earned him the Oceanian record and makes him the sixth best shot putter in history. This impressive feat has been achieved through his dedication and hard work.
He has been training rigorously and consistently to improve his technique, strength and performance. Additionally, his unwavering focus and commitment to the sport have been instrumental in his success.
His accomplishments also speak to the amazing talent and potential that this young athlete has. Walsh’s success has made him an inspiration to many and has shown that with dedication and perseverance, anyone can reach their goals.
He is an example of what can be achieved when one puts in the effort and works hard. Tomas Walsh is a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication and hard work. He has not only set records, but has also become an inspiration to many.
His success is a testament to the potential of any athlete that puts in the work and never gives up.
12. Sam Meech
Sam Meech is an accomplished athlete from New Zealand. He is a sailor and has achieved a great deal of success in the sport.
At the 2016 Summer Olympics, he won the bronze medal in sailing, a huge accomplishment that cemented his place in the history of the sport. Sam Meech has been sailing for many years, and his hard work and dedication to the sport paid off when he won the bronze medal.
His success is an inspiration to many, showing that with dedication and focus, great things can be achieved. Sam Meech’s journey to the top has been an arduous one. He has had to overcome numerous obstacles on his way to achieving success in sailing.
He has worked hard to become the sailor he is today, and his hard work has been rewarded with the bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Sam Meech’s success has been a great example for young athletes all over the world.
He has proven that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. The bronze medal he won at the 2016 Summer Olympics is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the sport.
13. Luuka Jones
Luuka Jones is an accomplished slalom canoeist from New Zealand. She began competing at the international level in 2006 and has since become one of the top canoeists in the world.
Jones has achieved a number of impressive accomplishments throughout her career, including a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics and multiple World Cup medals. She is also a four-time World Championship silver medalist.
Jones is a dedicated athlete who puts in a tremendous amount of effort to ensure her success. She has a strong commitment to her sport and is constantly striving to improve her technique and performance.
Her determination has been a major factor in her success and she is an inspiration to other athletes.
14. Nick Willis
Nicholas Ian Willis MNZM is a world-renowned New Zealand middle distance runner and the country’s only two-time Olympic medalist in the 1500 metres. He achieved international recognition for his outstanding performance in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he won a silver medal.
He was also able to replicate this success eight years later at the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympics, where he took home the bronze medal. Nicholas Willis is highly accomplished and is the only New Zealand athlete to have won two Olympic medals in the 1500 metres.
He is an inspiration to many up-and-coming New Zealand athletes who are aspiring to reach the same level of success that he has achieved.
His accomplishments have been recognized by New Zealand, which awarded him with the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, a significant honour. Nicholas Willis is a living legend in New Zealand and has set the bar high for all aspiring athletes.
His two Olympic medals are a testament to his dedication and hard work, and serve as a reminder that anything is possible if you work hard and believe in yourself.
15. Natalie Rooney
Natalie Ellen Rooney is a New Zealand sport shooter, specializing in trap shooting events. She hails from the town of Waimate, located in South Canterbury. Her father, Gary Rooney, is a successful businessman in the earthmoving and irrigation sector.
Sadly, Natalie lost her mother, Adrienne Rooney, in 2013. Growing up in Waimate, Natalie was surrounded by the beautiful South Canterbury landscape.
She developed a passion for shooting from a young age, likely due to her father’s involvement in the earthmoving and irrigation industry. She was able to hone her skills in trap shooting while also gaining knowledge of the land and the environment.
Natalie has gone on to become a successful sport shooter, competing in various events both nationally and internationally. She has achieved a great deal of success in her career, being recognised as one of New Zealand’s best.
Despite this, Natalie continues to pay tribute to her late mother, who passed away in 2013. She makes sure to set aside time to remember her mother and the impact she had on her life. Natalie Ellen Rooney is a testament to the power of dedication and hard work.
She continues to strive for excellence in her sport, while also paying tribute to her late mother. Her story is an inspiring one, and one that will continue to motivate and inspire many for years to come.
16. Genevieve Behrent
Genevieve “Gen” Behrent is an accomplished rower from New Zealand who has made a name for herself in the rowing world. She has been competing at the international level since 2011, when she was first selected to represent her country.
She has since gone on to become one of the top rowers in the world, competing in numerous international events over the years. Gen is a two-time world champion, having won gold medals in the women’s fours in both 2013 and 2014.
She has also won numerous medals at the Pan Pacific Championships, World Cup regattas, and other international competitions. She has represented New Zealand at the Olympics twice, in 2016 and 2020.
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Gen was part of the women’s fours team that won the silver medal. Gen is a highly decorated athlete, having also been awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2019 for her contributions to rowing.
She currently serves as a role model and mentor for many younger rowers, inspiring them to reach their full potential. Gen is an inspirational figure in the rowing community, and her dedication and hard work are an example to follow.
17. Alexandra Maloney
Alexandra Maria Maloney is a highly accomplished sailor from New Zealand. She is the sister of Andy Maloney, another successful sailor. In 2007, she achieved a major milestone when she won a World Championship medal in the Optimist class in Cagliari, Italy.
She followed up this feat by winning the 2013 49er FX World Championship. In 2016, she reached a pinnacle of success when she won a silver medal at the Olympics alongside her sailing partner Molly Meech.
This marks a major accomplishment for Maloney, who has been consistently pushing the boundaries of sailing and achieving extraordinary results.
She has inspired many people with her determination and passion for sailing, and is a testament to the fact that hard work and dedication can make dreams a reality.
18. Rebecca Scown
Rebecca Scown is an accomplished athlete from New Zealand. Specializing in rowing, she has achieved impressive success in the sport. In 2012, Rebecca teamed up with Juliette Haigh to compete in the women’s coxless pair event at the Summer Olympics.
After a grueling competition, Rebecca and Juliette emerged triumphant, winning the bronze medal and making history for New Zealand. This impressive feat is a testament to the dedication and skill Rebecca has put into the sport of rowing.
Her bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics is just one of many accomplishments she has achieved during her career. Rebecca is a role model for aspiring young athletes, showing that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
19. Jo Aleh
Joanna Ayela Aleh MNZM is a highly accomplished New Zealand sailor. She has achieved multiple successes in her sailing career. She is a national champion, a former world champion, and an Olympic gold medallist.
Aleh competes in the two-woman 470 dinghy, a double-handed monohull planing dinghy. The 470 dinghy is a small sailing boat, with a Bermuda rig, a centreboard, and a centre sheeting system. Its length overall is 4.70 metres.
Aleh is a well-respected name in the sailing community and has proven her commitment and skill. Her achievements are a testament to her hard work, dedication, and determination to succeed.
She continues to be an inspiration to aspiring sailors, and her successes will continue to motivate others to reach their goals.
20. Ethan Mitchell
Ethan Mitchell is a highly accomplished former New Zealand track cyclist.
He is widely renowned for his impressive career accomplishments, which include a number of world championship titles, an Olympic medal, and a Commonwealth Championship. Mitchell has achieved a great deal of success in his career, having won multiple gold medals at the World Championships for the men’s team sprint event.
He has also won an Olympic bronze medal in the same event, making him the first Kiwi to ever win an Olympic medal in track cycling.
Additionally, Mitchell is a Commonwealth Champion, having won gold in the men’s team sprint event at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Mitchell’s remarkable success in the sport of track cycling has earned him a great deal of respect both in New Zealand and around the world.
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest track cyclists of all time, and his impressive list of accomplishments is sure to serve as an inspiration to future generations of cyclists.
21. Olivia Powrie
Olivia Elizabeth “Polly” Powrie is an accomplished New Zealand sailor. She has achieved much success in the sport, having won Olympic and world championship titles in the 470 class, as well as a former 420 world champion.
This is a remarkable feat and a testament to her immense skill and dedication to the sport. Polly is a highly decorated sailor and a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM).
This is a high honor, reserved for those who have made an outstanding contribution to their country.
Her achievements in sailing speak to this, as she has been successful at the highest levels of competition. Polly is an inspiration to aspiring sailors everywhere, showing what is possible with dedication and hard work.
She is a prime example of what is achievable and serves as a role model to all. Her success in sailing has been remarkable and her commitment to the sport is undeniable.
22. Edward Dawkins
Edward James Dawkins is a track cyclist from New Zealand. He has achieved a great deal in his career, most notably at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
At this prestigious event, Dawkins won the silver medal in the men’s sprint and the bronze medal in the men’s 1 kilometre time trial. This is a remarkable achievement, as it requires a great deal of skill and dedication to succeed at such a high level.
To win two medals in two different events demonstrates Dawkins’s incredible ability to compete in multiple disciplines.
It also shows the strength of New Zealand’s track cycling program, as Dawkins is just one of many talented riders from the country. Dawkins has continued to be successful since the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
In 2011, he won the gold medal at the UCI Track Cycling World Cup in Beijing. In the same year, he won bronze at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Apeldoorn.
He has also won gold at the Oceania Track Cycling Championships in both 2010 and 2011. These achievements demonstrate Dawkins’s commitment to achieving success in the world of track cycling.
He is a fine example of the dedication and hard work that is necessary to compete at the highest level. He is a true champion, and his success is an inspiration to all aspiring track cyclists.
23. Danyon Loader
Danyon Joseph Loader ONZM is a highly accomplished athlete from New Zealand. He is an Olympic champion and former world record holder in swimming.
He is based in Dunedin, New Zealand and is the national record holder in the 400 metre freestyle short course. Loader has had a long and successful career in the world of competitive swimming. He has represented New Zealand at two Summer Olympics and three Commonwealth Games.
He has achieved great success in his events, and has established himself as a top-tier swimmer in the international arena. Loader has won numerous medals at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
He has also been the fastest swimmer in the world in the 400 metre freestyle short course. He is also the national record holder in the event. Loader’s success is a testament to his tremendous dedication and hard work.
He has worked tirelessly to become a world-class swimmer and has achieved great results. He is an inspiration to many young athletes.
24. Peter Snell
Sir Peter George Snell is a New Zealand middle-distance runner who has achieved tremendous success in his career. He won three Olympic gold medals, and is the only man since 1920 to have won the 800 and 1500 metres at the same Olympics, in 1964.
This is an incredible feat of athleticism, and it marks him as one of the greatest athletes of all time. Snell was born in 1938 and grew up in New Zealand, where he developed a talent for running from an early age.
He began competing in local races and eventually earned a spot on the New Zealand national team in 1959.
He achieved his first major success that same year, winning the 800 metres at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games. Snell went on to have a stellar career, winning multiple medals at the Olympics and other international events.
In 1964, he won gold in the 800 and 1500 metres at the Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first person to achieve this feat since 1920.
He also earned silver in the 800 metres at the 1960 Rome Olympics and bronze in the 1000 metres at the 1962 European Athletics Championships. Snell’s accomplishments have earned him a place in the history books.
He was made a Knight of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1964, and was awarded the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1968.
He was also inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1990. Sir Peter George Snell is an iconic figure in New Zealand and the world of athletics, and his legacy will live on for generations to come.
25. Barbara Kendall
Barbara Anne Kendall is a renowned former boardsailor from New Zealand. She has achieved remarkable successes in her career, including representing her home country at five Summer Olympic Games.
Her impressive efforts at the Olympics have been rewarded with three medals – one gold, one silver, and one bronze. Kendall’s success in competitive boardsailing has earned her a number of awards and honors.
She was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1992 for her services to the sport, and in 2006 she was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM). Kendall is widely regarded as one of the most successful boardsailors in New Zealand’s history.
She began her Olympic career in 1988, competing in boardsailing at the Seoul Games. She achieved a bronze medal in the Women’s Mistral competition, becoming the first New Zealander to win an Olympic medal in boardsailing.
This was followed by a silver medal at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, and a gold medal at the Atlanta Games in 1996. Kendall went on to compete in the Sydney, Athens and Beijing Olympics, though she did not win any medals at these Games.
She retired from competitive boardsailing in 2008, after a career spanning two decades. Kendall’s accomplishments have been an inspiration to young athletes in New Zealand and around the world. She is a true sporting hero and a role model for aspiring Olympic athletes.
26. Ian Ferguson
Ian Gordon Ferguson MBE is a legendary athlete who has achieved great success in the Olympics. He is New Zealand’s second most successful Olympian, and has won four Olympic gold medals in kayak events, competing in K1, K2, and K4 events.
Ian has attended five Summer Olympics between 1976 and 1992, and in addition to his Olympic success, he has also won two canoe sprint world championship titles. His career has been filled with accomplishments, and he is an inspiration to other athletes around the world.
He is considered a role model and a great example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
27. Mark Todd
Sir Mark James Todd is a highly accomplished horseman from New Zealand. He has achieved remarkable success in the sport of eventing, a discipline in which riders must compete in dressage, show jumping, and cross country.
His accomplishments have been recognized by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports, who named him “Rider of the 20th century”.Sir Mark has been awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM) and is a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
He has also been honored with the title of Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM). Sir Mark has a long list of accomplishments, having won many national and international events.
He is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a three-time World Champion, and a four-time European Champion.
He has also won many other awards during his career, including the Burghley Horse Trials, Badminton Horse Trials, and the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. Sir Mark has been called a “living legend” in the equestrian world and is highly respected by his peers.
His accomplishments have inspired many riders to pursue their dreams in the sport of eventing. He is an excellent example of dedication and hard work paying off, and his success continues to motivate riders all over the world.
28. Malcolm Champion
Malcolm Eadie Champion was an important figure in New Zealand’s history as he was the country’s first Olympic gold medallist. He represented New Zealand in swimming at the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden.
At the Olympics, he was part of a combined team with Australia, competing as Australasia in the 4 × 200 m freestyle relay event.
His team was successful in winning gold in the event, making him the first Olympian to claim a gold medal for New Zealand. Champion’s success at the Olympics was a major milestone for the country.
It was an impressive achievement, considering that New Zealand had only recently become an independent nation and had just begun sending its own athletes to the Olympics.
His gold medal was a source of immense pride for the country, and it demonstrated New Zealand’s growing presence on the world stage. Malcolm Eadie Champion is still remembered to this day for his incredible feat at the 1912 Olympics.
He has been recognised for his contribution to sport in New Zealand, and his legacy lives on in the form of the Malcolm Champion Award, which is presented each year to a New Zealander who has achieved excellence in swimming.
Malcolm Eadie Champion’s gold medal is a reminder of the hard work and dedication that is required to be successful in any field, and it serves as an inspirational reminder of what can be achieved with determination and courage.
29. Caroline Evers-Swindell
Caroline Frances Meyer ONZM, formerly known as Caroline Evers-Swindell, is a renowned former rower from New Zealand. She is most notable for her remarkable achievements in the double sculls, a rowing event in which two rowers share one boat.
Furthermore, she was accompanied by her identical twin sister, Georgina Evers-Swindell, throughout their rowing career. Caroline and Georgina have both gone down in history as two of New Zealand’s most successful rowers, having won several medals during their time together.
The sisters also represented their country in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, where they achieved a silver medal in the double sculls. After retiring from competitive rowing, Caroline was awarded the Order of New Zealand Medal for her impressive career.
This was a fitting tribute to her and her sister’s accomplishments, and a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport.
30. Simon Dickie
Simon Charles Dickie was an influential figure in the world of rowing. He was born in 1951 in Waverley, Taranaki, New Zealand and educated at Wanganui Collegiate School. During his time at the school, he was part of the rowing crews that won the Maadi Cup between 1966 and 1968.
This success earned him recognition and, ultimately, three Olympic medals. Dickie won a bronze medal in Montreal 1976, a silver in Moscow 1980, and a gold in Los Angeles 1984. He was the first New Zealander to win a gold medal at the Olympics in a non-team sport.
Dickie was an incredibly talented cox. His skill, leadership, and tactical acuity helped him achieve success at the highest level. His Olympic medals and contribution to the sport are testament to his incredible legacy in New Zealand.
31. Alan Thompson
Alan Blair Thompson was a successful sprint canoeist who made his mark in the sports world during the early to mid-1980s. He was born in 1959 in Gisborne, New Zealand and had the privilege of competing in three Olympic Games, where he earned two gold medals for his home country.
Thompson’s Olympic successes make him a prominent figure in New Zealand’s sporting history. He was a determined athlete who dedicated himself to mastery of the canoe and was rewarded with two gold medals, a feat few athletes can boast.
Thompson’s story is an inspiring one, as it demonstrates how hard work and dedication can lead to success, even in the most competitive of arenas.
His success is an example of how perseverance can pay off and that with enough focus and determination, anyone can reach their goals. Thompson’s legacy will remain in New Zealand sports for years to come.
32. Victor Lindberg
Michael Victor Alexander Lindberg was a Fijian-born New Zealander who is believed to have competed in water polo at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris. Unfortunately, there is some confusion about whether he actually participated in the games or not.
This is due to several factors. Firstly, record keeping at the time was not as thorough as it is today, meaning that it is difficult to definitively confirm whether or not he competed.
Secondly, even the records that were kept often had his name misspelled, making it difficult to track his participation. This is thought to be the reason for the uncertainty surrounding Michael Lindberg’s involvement in the Olympics.
It is likely that he was present in Paris to compete in the water polo tournament, but without concrete proof, we may never know for sure.
33. Paul MacDonald
Christopher Paul MacDonald MBE is an accomplished New Zealand sprint canoeist who achieved much success from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s. He is highly regarded as one of New Zealand’s most successful international athletes.
During his career, he held an impressive array of international speed records in canoeing. Christopher Paul MacDonald MBE’s career began in the mid-1980s. He quickly made a name for himself as he won numerous competitions.
He achieved success in both domestic and international events, and was awarded with a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to canoeing. His success in the sport was widely recognised, both in New Zealand and overseas.
He was the first New Zealander to be recognised as a World Champion in any sport. His impressive array of international speed records in canoeing showed the world his level of skill.
It is clear that Christopher Paul MacDonald MBE was an incredibly successful New Zealand athlete. He was the first New Zealander to be recognised as a World Champion in any sport and held an impressive array of international speed records in canoeing.
He is remembered as one of New Zealand’s most successful international athletes.
34. Bruce Kendall
Anthony Bruce Kendall MBE is an accomplished athlete and public servant. He is a two-time Olympic medallist in sailing for New Zealand, having achieved this remarkable feat in both the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
Since then, he has gone on to serve his community as an elected member of the Howick Local Board since 2019. Kendall has dedicated much of his life to sailing, having competed in international events since 1997.
His passion for the sport has seen him win various national and international titles, including the 2004 World Championships, the 2005 European Championships, and the 2007 Australian National Championships.
He also represented New Zealand at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, where he earned a bronze medal. Kendall has also been heavily involved in public service.
In 2011, he was awarded the MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for his services to sailing. He has also been actively involved in his local community, serving on the Howick Local Board since 2019.
During his time in office, he has helped to promote local businesses, supported community initiatives, and worked to improve the area’s infrastructure. Kendall is an exemplary example of an athlete-turned-public servant.
His accomplishments in sailing are truly remarkable, and he has used his success to serve and better his community. He is a true inspiration, and a role model for others to follow.
35. Blyth Tait
Robert Blyth Tait MBE is a highly accomplished equestrian from New Zealand. His achievements in the sport have earned him a place among a select group of only four New Zealanders to have won four Olympic medals in the sport.
Tait has been competing in equestrian sports since the 1980s. After a successful career of competing in New Zealand, he first appeared on the international stage in 1988, when he represented the country in the Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea.
He continued to compete at the Games in 1992, 2000, and 2004, eventually earning four medals in total. Tait’s Olympic successes include a bronze medal in three-day eventing at the 2000 Sydney Games, and a silver medal in the team eventing at the 2004 Athens Games.
His most recent medal, a bronze, was won at the 2016 Rio Olympics for the team eventing. To date, he is one of only four New Zealanders to have won four Olympic medals. In recognition of his successful career, Tait was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2005.
This honor further cemented his position as one of the most successful equestrian athletes in New Zealand’s history.
36. Andrew Nicholson
Andrew Clifton Nicholson ONZM is a highly accomplished equestrian from New Zealand.
He has represented his country at an impressive six Olympic Games, making him one of the most successful horsemen in the nation’s history. Born and raised in the Waikato region of New Zealand, Nicholson had a passion for horses from a young age.
In his pursuit of excellence, he decided to move to England in the 1980s to further his equestrian career. He has since worked in England as a horse trainer, helping others to develop their own skills. Nicholson has achieved great success in his equestrian career.
He has won numerous national and international competitions, including three Badminton Horse Trials, four Burghley Horse Trials, and four World Cup Qualifiers.
He also won a bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Nicholson was awarded the Order of New Zealand Merit in 2008 for his services to the equestrian world.
This is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a New Zealand citizen, and is testament to the fact that Nicholson is one of the country’s most successful horsemen.
37. Sally Clark
Sally Dorothy Ann Clark is an accomplished equestrian from New Zealand. She is best known for winning a silver medal at the Olympic Games.
Her hometown is Palmerston North, where she was born. Clark began her international eventing career in 1987, when she joined the New Zealand Trans-Tasman Trophy team. Since then, she has been competing in various international events, and her success has only grown.
She is now considered one of the foremost equestrian athletes in the country. Throughout her career, Clark has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for the sport. She has shown a willingness to put in the hard work and dedication necessary to be successful.
This is evidenced by her Olympic silver medal, which she has proudly displayed in her home. Clark is an inspiration to many aspiring equestrians, and her story of success serves as a reminder that hard work and dedication can lead to great things.
Her example of perseverance and excellence is one that will remain with us for many years to come.
38. Vicky Latta
Victoria Latta, or Vicky or Vicki as she is sometimes known, is a highly accomplished horsewoman from New Zealand.
She is a proud recipient of two medals from the Olympic Games, the pinnacle of sporting achievement. Latta’s journey to the Olympics began in 1990, when she competed in the World Equestrian Games in Stockholm.
Riding Chief, her horse at the time, she achieved an impressive 11th place.
This was a major milestone, as it marked her first international performance and set the stage for her future success. In the years that followed her debut at the World Equestrian Games, Latta continued to refine her skills and hone her technique.
This dedication culminated in her Olympic victories. Her two medals, earned through hard work and dedication, are a source of tremendous pride for the horsewoman from New Zealand. Victoria Latta is an excellent example of the power of hard work and dedication.
She worked hard to achieve success, and her two Olympic medals are a testament to her commitment and perseverance. She is an inspiration to all aspiring athletes and horsewomen.
39. Jesse Sergent
Jesse Sergent is a retired professional racing cyclist from New Zealand. He had a successful career spanning from 2011 to 2016, during which he raced for some of the world’s biggest cycling teams.
Sergent began his career with Team RadioShack, a UCI ProTeam based in the United States. After two successful seasons with the team, he moved to Trek Factory Racing, another UCI ProTeam with a strong international presence.
During his time with Trek Factory Racing, Sergent competed in some of cycling’s most prestigious events, including the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia.
In 2016, he signed with French team AG2R La Mondiale, where he spent the remainder of his professional career before retiring. Now retired from professional cycling, Sergent has become an ambassador for the sport.
He continues to promote cycling and is an advocate for healthy living.
40. Chris Timms
Christopher Ian Timms was a renowned yachtsman from New Zealand. He had a reputation for excellence in sailing and was known for his competitive spirit and determination.
Timms achieved great success in his career, winning a gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and a silver medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.
His success earned him recognition and admiration from his peers. Tragically, Timms’ life was cut short in 2004 when the aircraft he was flying in crashed into the Firth of Thames. His death was a shock to the sailing community and a great loss to the nation of New Zealand.
His legacy lives on, however, and his achievements remain an example of what can be accomplished with hard work, dedication, and passion. He will be remembered for his incredible sailing career and his dedication to the sport.
41. Rex Sellers
Rex Samuel Sellers MNZM is a highly accomplished yachtman from New Zealand. He has achieved many feats in his sailing career, most notably winning the gold medal in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and the silver medal in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.
Both of these achievements took place in the Tornado class, which he competed in alongside his sailing partner Chris Timms. Sellers’ gold medal performance in the 1984 Summer Olympics was especially impressive given that it was his first time competing at the Olympics.
This was a remarkable feat and brought immense pride to his home country of New Zealand. His silver medal in the 1988 Summer Olympics was also a noteworthy accomplishment and further cemented Sellers’ status as one of the greatest yachtsmen in the world.
In addition to his Olympics success, Sellers was also recognised for his distinguished career in sailing by being awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2020. This honour is given to individuals who have demonstrated excellence and service to the country.
Sellers is a highly deserving recipient of this prestigious award and continues to be an inspiration to aspiring sailors. Overall, Rex Samuel Sellers MNZM is an outstanding yachtman whose accomplishments in sailing have earned him recognition around the world.
His two Olympic medals are a testament to his skill and dedication in the sport, and he continues to serve as an example of excellence in sailing for the next generation.
42. Annelise Coberger
Annelise Coberger is a former alpine skier from New Zealand who made history in 1992 at the Albertville Winter Olympics. Born and raised in Christchurch, Coberger became the first person from the Southern Hemisphere to win a medal at the Winter Olympics.
She won silver in the slalom event, an impressive feat for a skier from a country not usually associated with winter sports.
By winning this medal, Coberger put New Zealand firmly on the map of the international skiing community and showed that athletes from the Southern Hemisphere can compete at the highest level.
Coberger’s success also inspired many other skiers from the Southern Hemisphere to pursue their dreams of competing in the Winter Olympics. She is a true pioneer and continues to be an inspiration to young skiers from all over the world.
43. Lorraine Moller
Lorraine Mary Moller MBE is an inspirational woman who achieved great success in the world of athletics. She hails from New Zealand and was a track athlete in her early years.
She then went on to specialise in the marathon, an endurance event that requires great strength and determination. Lorraine Mary Moller MBE has competed in many races both domestically and internationally.
She has won numerous medals, including four gold medals at the Commonwealth Games.
She also has the honour of being the first woman from New Zealand to compete in the Olympic Games, competing in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Lorraine Mary Moller MBE was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1989, an honour which recognises contributions to the arts and sciences, public services outside the Civil Service and work with charitable and welfare organisations. Lorraine Mary Moller MBE has also represented New Zealand in other sporting events, such as the International Association of Athletics Federations World Cross Country Championships.
She has also participated in the New York City Marathon and the London Marathon. Lorraine Mary Moller MBE is an incredible athlete and an inspiration to many. Her commitment to the sport of athletics has resulted in numerous successes, both domestically and internationally.
Her dedication to the sport has been recognised by the award of the prestigious MBE title and has cemented her place in the history of New Zealand sport.
44. Caroline Powell
Caroline Powell is a successful equestrian from New Zealand. She made history when she won the bronze medal in the team eventing event at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
She was born in Lower Hutt, New Zealand, and currently lives in Suffolk, East Anglia. Powell has a great track record in representing her nation in international equestrian contests.
She has competed in two Olympic Games and two World Games, where she won a bronze team medal in 2010. This accomplishment solidified her place as one of New Zealand’s top equestrians. Powell’s commitment to the sport has earned her a lot of respect in the equestrian community.
She has worked hard to become one of the best in her field, and her success at the 2012 Summer Olympics was a testament to her dedication and passion for the sport.
She is an inspiration to many aspiring equestrians and has set a great example for those who want to pursue a career in the sport.
45. Harry Kerr
Henry Edward Kerr was a talented New Zealand athlete who primarily competed in walking events. His talent was recognized on a global stage when he was selected to compete as part of the Australasia team at the 1908 Summer Olympics in London.
At the Olympics, Henry was entered into the 3500 metre walking event and he went on to win the bronze medal. This was a momentous achievement as it marked the first time a New Zealand-born person had ever won an Olympic medal.
Henry’s bronze medal success was celebrated by New Zealanders and Australians alike as it showed that athletes from the two countries could compete on the world stage and succeed.
It was also a sign of the increasing importance of the Olympics in the sporting world and the recognition of New Zealand’s athletes. Henry Edward Kerr’s achievement was significant and it paved the way for many more New Zealand athletes to compete and win medals in the future.
Conclusion
New Zealand has produced some of the world’s best Olympic athletes. From Peter Snell to Valerie Adams, these athletes have made an indelible mark on the sporting world, and are an inspiration to future generations of New Zealanders.
As one of the top sporting nations in the world, New Zealand will no doubt continue to produce some of the world’s best Olympic athletes in the future.
