New Zealand Olympic Committee to present Violet Walronds pin to family New Zealand Olympic Committee will honour New Zealands first female Olympian in a ceremony tomorrow in Wellington. The family of swimmer Violet Walrond who represented New Zealand at the 1920 Olympic Games will be presented with a uniquely numbered Olympic pin and certificate. Miss Walrond was just fifteen when she travelled by ship to Antwerp accompanied by her father as chaperone. She lost significant condition on the long journey but nevertheless finished a credible fifth in the final. The New Zealand Olympic Committee, together with the Olympians Club of New Zealand, has honoured each of the country's Olympic athletes with a pin emblazoned with the Olympian's unique number, and a numbered certificate signed by IOC President Jacques Rogge and NZOC Secretary-General Barry Maister. New Zealand currently has 1123 Olympians. New Zealand Olympic Committee Secretary General and IOC Member Barry Maister says Every New Zealand Olympian has made a special contribution to New Zealand culture and history. The NZOC would like to recognise all our Olympians for their achievements by including them in our celebrations and presenting them with a uniquely numbered pin and commemorative certificate. While more than 80 percent of our nations Olympians have been presented with their pins, there are still those who have not able to be contacted. Of New Zealands first twenty athletes, the next of kin of just seven have been located. The athletes are: 2. Henry St Aubyn Murray (Athletics London 1908) 3. Albert Rowland (Athletics London 1908) 5. George Hill (Athletics Stockholm 1912) 6. Anthony Wilding (Tennis Bronze Medallist, Stockholm 1912) 7. George Davidson (Athletics Antwerp 1916) 8. Darcy Hadfield (Rowing Bronze Medallist, Antwerp 1916) 10. Harry Wilson (Athletics Antwerp 1916) 11. Clarrie Heard (Aquatics Paris 1924) 14. Gwitha Shand (Aquatics Paris 1924) 16. Winifred Kalaugher (Athletics Amsterdam 1928) 18. David Lindsay (Aquatics Amsterdam 1928) 19. Kathleen Miller (Aquatics Amsterdam 1928) 20. Len Moorhouse (Aquatics Amsterdam 1928) Ceremonies will be held in the United States of America and Australia next year as the process of presenting the awards to the Olympians continues. Families of Olympians yet to receive their pins, or people who can assist with contact details for any next of kin are invited to contact the New Zealand Olympic Committee on 04 385 0070. About Violet Waldron Violet Waldrond died in Auckland in December 1996 aged 91. She was a swimmer and a late selection for the 1920 Olympic team going to Antwerp, Belgium. She was coached by her father, Cecil, who acted as her chaperone and the teams unofficial coach. Violet qualified third in her heat of the 100 metres Freestyle and finished a creditable 5th in the final. She also qualified for the only 300 metres Freestyle event ever swum at an Olympics finishing 2nd in her heat and 7th in the final. An amazing achievement when one considers the lengthy boat trip to Belgium and the total lack of training facilities which contributed to a significant loss of form. She retired from swimming in 1922. Her married name was Violet Robb.
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