More than 1000 New Zealand athletes from 31 sports are now officially targeting the Tokyo Olympic Games with the New Zealand Team Long List now in place.
The Long List, finalised by the New Zealand Olympic Committee and National Federations to mark One Year to Go, is the first in a number of official steps taken by athletes as they work towards selection for Tokyo 2020 and forms an important basis for Olympic Games planning.
“Selection for the New Zealand Olympic Team is tough,” said CEO Kereyn Smith. “While a long list typically has more than 1000 athlete names on it, the final team will end up being around 200. Each and every athlete will be dedicated to the task ahead.”
“With the long list in place, we can help make sure athletes are progressing towards meeting the New Zealand Team selection standard and have met eligibility requirements around things like integrity, anti-doping and citizenship.
“The long list also helps us manage the complex logistics around the Olympic Games and can help those on the road to Tokyo 2020 understand what to expect.”
“We have a proud Olympic legacy,” continued Smith. “We’re fortunate to have so many athletes working towards the Olympic Games and we expect next year’s team to Tokyo 2020 to be our biggest ever.”
The New Zealand Olympic Committee’s selection criteria requires athletes demonstrate they are capable of finishing in the top 16 of their event at the Tokyo Olympic Games, with potential to finish in the top 8.
Nomination criteria, which describe the events and results an athlete needs to demonstrate the New Zealand Olympic Committee selection standard, are developed in conjunction with each National Federation.
Selections for the New Zealand Team will begin in late February 2020 and conclude just ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games in July 2020.
Tokyo hopeful Andrea Anacan shows us how it's done (c) Getty Images
The New Zealand Olympic Team Selection Pathway
Athletes may be included on the Olympic long list by their National Federation if they are in contention for the Olympic Games and meet the relevant International Federation eligibility criteria (eg age, citizenship).
Once an athlete is included on the long list, they are required to complete an Athlete Application, Drug Free Sport New Zealand Declaration, Athlete Agreement and additional Games Organising Committee requirements.
Athletes then work towards being both nominated by their National Federation for consideration of selection to the New Zealand Olympic Team by the New Zealand Olympic Committee.
Nomination and selection to the New Zealand Team is reliant on:
- A quota spot being secured for the event at the Games (either by country or by name); and
- Fulfilment by the athlete of their documentation obligations;
- Meeting the National Federation’s Nomination Criteria; and
- Meeting the NZOC Selection Policy.
Non-nomination or non-selection appeals.
- Athletes may appeal to their National Federation and the New Zealand Sports Tribunal, in case of non-nomination
- Athletes may appeal to the New Zealand Olympic Committee and the New Zealand Sports Tribunal, in case of non-selection
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