New Zealand is sending a team of 195 athletes to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The team includes 98 males and 97 females, with 17.4 percent being Māori. Luuka Jones (canoe slalom), Ali Riley (football), and Emma Twigg (rowing) will be attending their fifth Olympic Games.
The youngest athlete is 18-year-old footballer Milly Clegg, and the oldest is 45-year-old equestrian athlete Tim Price. New Zealand will compete in a record 23 sports, making its debut in kiteboarding and speed climbing.
Auckland has the most athletes, with 58 team members. Canterbury follows with 24, Wellington has 18, Waikato 17, and Bay of Plenty 14. The team members come from various cultural backgrounds, including Samoan, Tongan, French, Australian, and more.
Out of the 195 athletes, 101 will be competing in their first Olympic Games, while 94 have previous experience. The team’s Chef de Mission, Nigel Avery, stated that the athletes are prepared and excited for the challenge ahead.
“Paris is ready, there’s a real buzz in the city, and the venues are looking amazing,” Avery said. “We’re expecting a fantastic Games in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.”
New Zealand’s athletes are looking forward to showcasing their talents and representing their country on the world stage.
That is so cool!!!