Clareburt is the only New Zealand swimmer to make a final and win a medal at this year's World Championships. The last person to win a medal was Lauren Boyle when she claimed two silver medals in 2015.
More at www.swimming.org.nz
Basketball
The Tall Ferns have won silver after a dominant performance by Japan in the final of the William Jones Cup in Taiwan.
Both teams came into the final with four straight wins but it was Japan who got off to the best start with impeccable shooting statistics.
Japan were excellent, their speed of pass and movement off the ball constantly gave their accurate shooters space, something the Tall Ferns were unable to replicate as they shot 35% (19/54) from two-point range and a disappointing 22% (6/27) from the three-point arc. In contrast Japan shot 53% (29/43) and an impressive 53% from three-point range knocking down 9 from 17 attempts.
“Japan were fantastic, their shooting was high quality and they punished any defensive error that we made,” reflected Tall Ferns Head Coach Guy Molloy.
More at www.basketball.org.nz
Cycling
Kiwi teenager Jessie Smith is on top of the world after claiming the junior women’s UCI BMX World Championship title in Belgium.
The 18-year-old from Hamilton passed Argentina’s Agustina Cavalli in the final 15m to claim the title on a rain-affected final day at Zolder-Heusden.
“Honestly I just can’t believe it. It’s crazy. I had a plan to go to Europe. It was a bit of a gamble because I was only selected for the worlds a month ago. I am so happy it paid off,” said Smith.
“The Olympic dream now is very much in my head. It is for sure a possibility now so I am looking forward to what next year brings when I move to the elite ranks.”
More at www.cyclingnewzealand.nz
Rowing
New Zealand takes two silver medals on the final day of the World Rowing U23 Championships in Sarasota-Bradenton, United States.
Six of New Zealand’s eight crews contested A Finals, with four crews contesting A and B Finals on the last day of the regatta, including the men’s double scull and men’s four both taking silver.
Silver medalists in the men’s double scull Jack Lopas and Ollie Maclean, both of whom are based in the USA, were joined by coach Logan Keys at Princeton University in early June for a training camp ahead of the regatta. Lopas and Maclean now return to Yale University and the University of California respectively.
Men’s Double Scull (BM2x) - A Final
Jack Lopas and Ollie Maclean placed second and took silver in their men’s double scull A Final.
“We did everything that we could there but they were just faster at the end. It’s been a great week and I’ve really enjoyed the course and the event. Jack Lopas
Quote supplied by World Rowing
Lopas and Maclean recorded the fastest times for heats and A/B semi-finals.
Men’s Four (BM4-) - A Final
Ben Taylor, Sam Jones, Thomas Mackintosh and Thomas Russel placed second and took silver in the A Final of the men’s four.
more at www.rowingnz.kiwi
Eventing - Kiwis Deliver in Ireland
It was almost the fairy tale ending to the most magnificent of careers for Sir Mark Todd – he and team mates Tim and Jonelle Price winning the Nations’ Cup at the Camphire International Horse Trials in Ireland but a late rail moving him just off the podium individually.
As it was, the trio were all very happy. “We have just won the teams event so we are all pretty delighted,” said Sir Mark, who with Leonidas II finished in fifth place individually on 32.5 penalty points. “I couldn’t quite manage a clear round but it was enough to win the teams – the others were brilliant. Literally – that is it from me – I am signing off.”
World no.1 Tim Price placed second aboard Bango, finishing on his dressage score of 29.4. “We had one rail to spare (in the teams’ event) and we used it,” said Tim. “The rest was pretty bloody good right through all three phases.”
Jonelle and Grappa Nera finished in 11thspot on 37 penalty points. “I am really happy,” she said. “We had a young horse and two old stalwarts, three people – that’s all we needed!”
The New Zealand team finished on 98.98 penalty points with hosts Ireland second on 104.9, Italy third on 108 and Sweden fourth on 116.6. Sam Watson (IRL) and Imperial Sky held on to their overnight lead to win on their dressage score of 27.7 penalty points.
The New Zealand Celebrates in Ireland. This would be Sir Mark's final event before retirement. Thank you to Libby Law for the image.
Watch again: Emma Twigg
"If you said to me 10 years ago that my career would be resilience, I wouldn't be that stoked." Emma Twigg - Olympian...
Posted by NZ Olympic Team on Sunday, 28 July 2019
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