The weightlifting community is mourning the loss of three-times Commonwealth gold medal winning weightlifter George Newton who died at the age of 79 today.
The outstanding athlete represented England at the Commonwealth Games in 1964 and 1970 and Great Britain at the 1964 and 1972 Olympic Games before moving to New Zealand.
He went on to once more win gold for as a new New Zealand citizen in 1978 at the Edmonton Commonwealth Games.
New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Kereyn Smith said it was a time to acknowledge the contribution an athlete like Newton had made to the world of sport.
"He stood out to New Zealanders even when competing for England as he took the gold medal at the hugely significant Christchurch Commonwealth Games in 1974, she said."
"He then chose this far off nation in the South Pacific as his new home and represented us with honour in 1978. As a Commonwealth gold medallist he holds a special place in the New Zealand's proud sporting history.
"Like all our athletes, and our medallists in particular" she added, "George has been an inspiration and has helped shaped who we are today"
Fellow gold medal winning New Zealand weightlifter Tony Ebert said the athlete had an 'incredible' physique and he credits him with a 'lovely personality'.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee's thoughts and prayers are with the Newton family and the weightlifting community at this time.
ENDS
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