NZHistory.net.nz, New Zealand history online - olympics

The Olympics

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 12:00:00 +1200

Programme for 1908 Olympics

NZ's first Olympic century

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 12:00:00 +1200

During the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics New Zealand's 1000th Olympian stepped up to compete (if we include those who have appeared at the Winter Games since 1952). The 182-strong team selected for Beijing was the largest New Zealand has ever sent to the Olympics.

The 1908 Olympics

Origins of international rugby - 1987 Rugby World Cup

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 12:00:00 +1200

Friendly rivalry

The first regular international rugby was the annual England versus Scotland match that kicked off in 1871. The other Home Countries – Ireland and Wales – soon joined in. The first round-robin among all four teams, in 1884, was won by England. Two years later the British unions appointed themselves as the International Rugby Football Board (IRFB). These were men on a mission to keep ‘their’ game amateur and middle-class.

1920 - key events

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 12:00:00 +1200

The Prince of Wales tours NZ

16 Olympic stories

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 12:00:00 +1200

Explore a story for each day of the Beijing Olympic Games:

Olympic medalists - rowing in New Zealand

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 12:00:00 +1200

New Zealand’s Olympic rowing medallists

The Olympic rowing tradition started by Darcy Hadfield in 1920 has since flourished. By the end of the 2008 Beijing Games New Zealand rowers had won a total of 16 medals (six gold, two silver and eight bronze).

1920 (Antwerp)

Darcy Hadfield

bronze

Olympians Gwitha Shand and Violet Walrond

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 12:00:00 +1200

Gwitha Shand and Violet Walrond (aged 17) pose on the diving board in Sydney in 1923 at the Australian Swimming Union championship where Violet won the 100 yards freestyle. Gwitha came second. Gwitha won the 220 yards and 440 freestyle and Violet placed second.

John Walker

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 12:00:00 +1200

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

Violet Walrond at the 1920 Olympics

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 12:00:00 +1200

Swimmers pose for a photo before the 1920 Antwerp Olympics 100-m final. They are, from left: Ethelda Bleibtrey (gold medallist, USA), New Zealand's first female Olympian, Violet Walrond (fifth-placed), Jane Gylling (sixth-placed, Sweden), Frances Schroth (bronze medallist, USA), Irene Guest (silver medallist, USA), and Constance Jeans (fourth-placed, England).

Image: Walrond family collection

First official Olympic team

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 12:00:00 +1200

The New Zealand Olympic team en route to Antwerp in 1920. Hurdler Harry Wilson is holding the flag. Sprinter George Davidson stands behind him, with swimmer Violet Walrond, our first female Olympian, to his left. Rower Darcy Hadfield is to Violet's left and her father and coach, Tui, stands behind her.

The 1920 team is the only one in New Zealand’s history in which every competitor made a final – a feat unlikely to be equalled again.