New Zealand 2024 Olympics

Canoe You Believe It? NZ's Olympic Dreams Float on the Water!

From kayak mishaps to fierce rivalries, the Kiwi canoeists are making waves at the 2024 Olympics—here's what's brewing!

As the countdown to the 2024 Paris Olympics creeps ever closer, New Zealand's athletes are gearing up for glory on the global stage. However, for our silver medalist Luuka Jones, the journey to victory may be bittersweet. Recently reflecting on her unexpected exit from the kayak cross event, Luuka is left haunted by a "silly mistake" that could signal the end of her Olympic career. It’s a heart-tugging reminder that in these high-stakes games, even the best can falter at the most critical moments.

Meanwhile, the focus has shifted towards the hopefuls from Hawke’s Bay, where the stakes are high as the last of the region's medal aspirations now rest on the shoulders of canoeists Aimee Fisher and Hamish Legarth. While the athletics hope of the region has disappointingly exited, Aimee and Hamish have their sights set firmly on the finish line, ready to paddle their way to Olympic glory. Fans are rallying behind them, hoping to see some seriously splashy moments soon!

And if you thought it couldn’t get any more enthralling, think again! The excitement ramps up with the captivating rivalry brewing between NZ canoe racing world champion Aimee Fisher and her teammate, Dame Lisa. Describing their upcoming K1-500 race as a “clash of the titans,” the anticipation is palpable across the nation. These two elite athletes, who are known for their friendly banter as much as their fierce competitiveness, won’t just be racing against each other but pushing to uphold New Zealand’s proud tradition in the water sports arena.

As the games unfold, one thing’s for sure: the tension and excitement will be sky-high! Did you know New Zealand has won 54 Olympic canoeing medals in its history? And while we’re riding the wave of Olympic excitement, let’s not overlook that Luuka Jones made history by becoming the first New Zealander to win an Olympic medal in women's canoe slalom back in 2016. The future of New Zealand's athletes remains bright, and regardless of where the chips fall, their stories are sure to inspire generations to come!