The Kiwis going for GOLD

From track stars to legends in the pool, we take a look at New Zealand’s elite performers hoping to make it onto the winner’s podium

Officially it’s called the Olympic Games, but for the more than 11,000 athletes from over 200 countries who will take part in this year’s competition, it is the Stadium of Dreams. Medals will be won, records will be smashed, goals will be met and lives will be changed forever. For all taking part, this is what they work so hard for.

This is the pinnacle of achievement for a sportsperson – representing their country on the world stage. It makes up for all the harsh sacrifices, punishing training regimes and time away from their loved ones.

And this Olympics promises to be one like no other. Delayed for more than a year as Covid-19 ripped through the world, when the competition finally kicks off on July 23, and the Paralympic Games on August 24, without the usual pomp, ceremony or crowds, you can bet that all the athletes will be living their dreams, despite the unusual circumstances and putting it all on the line.

We take a look at some of the committed Kiwi team members giving it all for golden glory in Tokyo, Japan.

Kata FIGHTER

Andrea Anacan

When Andrea Anacan was just four years old, she made a monumental decision that would shape her life.

“My mum gave me the option between ballet or karate,” explains the now 29-year-old, who chose black belts over ballet shoes. Seems it was a good decision as the sport, which she initially took up to keep safe in case of attempted kidnapping while living in the Philippines, is taking her all the way to the Olympics.