Pages tagged with: olympics

A century after our Olympic story began at the 1908 London Games, New Zealand's 1000th Olympian competed in Beijing. Kiwi athletes have produced plenty of memorable moments over the years, but the Summer Games have also been marred by boycotts, controversy and tragedy.

Before the 1987 Rugby World Cup and the professional era, rugby prided itself on extolling the virtues of friendly rivalry.

A selection of key New Zealand events from 1920

Olympic rowing medals won by New Zealanders 1920-2008

In 2008 well-known sports writer Joseph Romanos chose the victory of the 1972 rowing eight as the best team performance by New Zealanders at the Olympics.

New Zeland Olympic swimmers Violet Walrond and Gwitha Shand in 1923.

John Walker is one of New Zealand's track heroes. His athletic career was punctuated by memorable performances and noted for its longevity

Swimmers pose for a photo at the 1920 Antwerp Olympics, including New Zealand's first female Olympian, Violet Walrond.

The New Zealand Olympic team en route to Antwerp in 1920.

This programme cover for the 1920 Olympic Games at Antwerp, Belgium, was owned by Violet Walrond, our first female Olympian.

New Zealand athletes prepare for the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver, Canada. Among the athletes featured are Olympic gold medallists Yvette Williams and Murray Halberg.

Ideas for teachers wanting to cover the Olympics

The boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics was larger than that led by black African nations in 1976 and was more damaging to New Zealand's athletes.

Boxer Ted Morgan won New Zealand's first official gold medal at the 1928 Olympics

For most of their history, the Olympic Games welcomed only those who competed for pleasure and spurned all monetary rewards. Until the late 20th century, officials pursued professionals far more vigorously than drug cheats.

Several New Zealand athletes competed – and won medals – as part of ‘Australasian' teams at the 1908 and 1912 Olympics. This country's first official team competed at Antwerp in 1920.