Preview of Day 16

Spare a thought for Waikato mountain biker Sam Gaze.

He competes in the final event of the Olympic Games involving New Zealand, the men’s mountain bike cross-country.

For 20-year-old Gaze, it has been a long wait.

He has sat through the triumphs of the rowers and sailors, the kayakers and athletes. He’s heard tales of joy and despair. He’s seen some, such as pole vaulter Eliza McCartney, arrive at their first Olympics and thrive under the pressure. He’s seen others look outclassed.

All the while, he’s had to watch and wait. Athletes have finished their competitions and relaxed, watched other sport, gone shopping, hung out with family and friends. Still Gaze has had to stay focused.

On Day 16 he gets his chance. In a field of 50, he brings into the event a world ranking of 27.

It’s a strong field, with all the big names of his sport. And with Rio offering a choice of steep and challenging terrain, the course is formidable.

It’s not often at an Olympics one competitor can say he is the entire focus of his team, but for Sam Gaze, that will be the case on the final day of competition.