When Black Ferns speedster Michaela Blyde won gold at the Tokyo Olympic Games last month, New Zealand’s moment in history played out across millions of television screens around the world.
But long before the rugby sevens star pulled on the black jersey for the final against France, she made a promise to her beloved pop, Peter Blyde, to one day win at the Olympics.
According to Michaela’s proud mum and former Black Fern Cherry Blyde, her daughter was 14 when she wrote a special letter for her grandfather after he passed away and placed it inside his casket.
“When my husband Steve’s dad died, everyone put something in the coffin for him and Michaela wrote a letter, which she asked me to read to make sure it was okay,” recalls Cherry, 54, chatting to the Weekly from her home in Lepperton, a small rural community out of New Plymouth.
“In the letter, she said, ‘Pop, I’m going to go to the Olympics and win a medal for you.’ Obviously, her win is very special for us.”
During the Black Ferns’ jersey presentation in Japan, videos from loved ones back home were played, where Cherry, Steve, and their sons Christopher, 27, and twins Liam and Cole, 23, sent Michaela their messages of love and support.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 30, 2021 من New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 30, 2021 من New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
The perfect GETAWAY
From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes
Message in a BOTTLE
Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills
Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE
Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills