Triathlon Names Team For London

 Triathlon New Zealand and the NZOC confirmed the New Zealand team for the London Olympic Games at a function at The Cloud on Queens Wharf in Auckland today.

 Dave Currie made the announcement on behalf of the NZOC, confirming Andrea Hewitt (Christchurch), Kate McIlroy (Wellington), Nicky Samuels (Wanaka), Kris Gemmell (Palmerston North), Bevan Docherty (Taupo) and Ryan Sissons (Auckland) in the team for London (see NZOC release attached).

Samuels and Sissons may have a slightly nervous wait however as New Zealand must finish inside the top 8 nations on the ITU Olympic rankings at the end of May for New Zealand to have 3 spots in either men’s or women’s races in London. In both cases New Zealand is comfortably inside the top 8 and has plans to contest key races in May to ensure they stay there.

Triathlon New Zealand has also confirmed that Debbie Tanner (Auckland) and Clark Ellice (New Plymouth) have been named as reserves in the event of injury or illness in the lead up to London, both would need ratification from the NZOC should they be called upon to race.

Convenor of Selectors for Tri NZ, Damian Pedreschi spoke of the quality of the athletes that have come through the selection process.

“The Triathlon NZ Selectors, Lynley Brown, Barry Larsen and I are very pleased that the selection process has delivered a formidable team of talented athletes to represent New Zealand at the London Olympic Games.

“Andrea, Kate, Nicky, Kris, Bevan and Ryan are superb athletes and wonderful ambassadors for the sport and the country. They have come through a comprehensive selection process and are deserving of their places on the start line in London.

“As selectors we were committed to ensuring a transparent, fair and rigorous process was agreed and implemented. That process was communicated to all athletes and coaches one year ago, with clear opportunities along the way to qualify for London, culminating in the Sydney race last weekend. We are confident this process has delivered 6 athletes who will represent New Zealand with pride and deliver outstanding results in London. That process has subsequently been ratified by the Tri NZ Board and the NZOC.

“While celebrating the success of those named today and wishing them and Greg well in London, we would like to acknowledge those athletes who were not selected, and highlight that it was a very difficult decision. It is their calibre that demonstrates the depth and talent of triathletes in New Zealand.”

Tanner and Ellice have been named by Triathlon New Zealand selectors as reserves for London, with both currently inside the top 50 in the world rankings (Tanner 35 and Ellice 45) and in the case of Tanner, having Olympic Games experience under her belt, finishing 10th in Beijing.

Triathlon New Zealand CEO Craig Waugh says it is a big day for the sport.

“The Olympic Games is the pinnacle event for our sport and I must commend the selectors for the great job they have done in choosing this team, the athletes and coaches have been working towards this for most if not all of their careers.

“As well as the tireless work by the selectors, the athletes and their coaches have also contributed positively throughout, ensuring a transparent and clearly communicated process was followed.

“Triathlon is proud of our heritage at pinnacle events and I know that Andrea, Kate, Nicky, Kris, Bevan and Ryan will continue in those great traditions and represent the sport and the country with distinction in London.”