New Zealand has achieved an incredible milestone at the Paris Olympics, winning ten gold medals, the most ever at a single Games for the country. This breaks the previous record of eight golds, which was set at the 1984 Los Angeles Games.
Three gold medals were won on the final day, including a victory by cyclist Ellesse Andrews in the velodrome.
High jumper Hamish Kerr added to the count by winning a gold medal after a tense jump-off at the Stade de France.
The remarkable medal haul was largely driven by canoeing legend Dame Lisa Carrington, who claimed three gold medals in Paris. Carrington, already a celebrated athlete with five golds from previous Olympics, now boasts eight gold medals in total, cementing her status as one of the greatest Olympians of all time.
In canoeing, Lisa Carrington and her team won the K4 500m event, defeating Germany in a close race. Carrington also won the K2 500m with Alicia Hoskin, defending their title from Tokyo 2020. In the individual K1 500m race, Carrington broke an Olympic record, winning her third gold of the Games.
The Black Ferns, New Zealand’s women’s rugby sevens team, kicked off the gold rush by securing a thrilling victory against Canada. Brooke Francis and Lucy Spoors followed with a gold medal in the women’s double sculls rowing event. Finn Butcher made history as the first-ever Olympic gold medalist in men’s kayak cross.
Lydia Ko finished her Olympic career by winning the gold medal in women’s golf, securing her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame.
Finally, Ellesse Andrews added the last gold medal to New Zealand’s record total by winning the women’s sprint on the last night of competition. Her victory capped off a historic Olympic Games for New Zealand, showcasing the country’s diverse athletic talent and determination.
