Fifth placing the highlight for New Zealand team on day three of Youth Olympic Games

Briar Burnett-Grant and her Australasian show jumping team held a share of the lead going into the final round of competition today.
 
Burnett-Grant and borrowed horse Maximo rode second for the team and got off to a clean start before dropping one rail on the 9th jump.
 
“I was really happy with my performance, the horse jumped really good today and felt a lot better than yesterday.”
 
“Even though we hit the rail, it was definitely just a soft rail, these things happen.”

 
Despite dropping a rail, her team were still in medal position and she had to watch on, hoping for the best. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be, with the last rider dropping seven rails to put the team into fifth place.
 
“It was very nerve-wracking,” she admitted. “You can’t do anything so sometimes it goes down to luck.”
 
Individual competition is next for Burnett-Grant, and she’ll continue to compete with Maximo.
 
“I’m feeling really good - today’s round I was really happy with so it can only get better from here I hope.”
 
In the pool Erika Fairweather broke her second New Zealand age group record of the Games.
 
The 14-year-old from Dunedin swam 8.56.16 in the 800m freestyle to place 14^th.
 
At the sailing venue a stiff 20 knot breeze greeted kiteboarder Pia Gordon and windsurfer teammates Max van der Zalm and Veerle ten Have.

The trio weren’t aware just how blustery it was until they got into the water.

“Initially I was a bit overpowered. It’s been interesting, when you get out there it’s crazy,” said Gordon.

Gordon managed an 11^th and a 12^th in the high winds putting her in 12th overall.

On the windsurfer Veerle ten Have placed 1^st in her first race before a 12^th in her second, moving her to 8th overall.

“I’m happy, I definitely went better in the first race than the second, the strong winds suit me way better so I really enjoyed this morning,” said ten Have.

Max van der Zalm enjoyed his day, scoring a 9^th and 10^th placing to sit in 15th overall.

"I think I sailed well so I’m pretty happy. It’s been a blast and I’m getting a lot out of this experience,” added van der Zalm.

The boardsailors have another 3 days of competition.