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To celebrate Olympic day, we have shared stories from some of our Olympians showcasing the Olympic value of ‘friendship’ and how the Olympic movement has brought athletes and nations together.

Tania Moss-Barry – Olympian #477 & Kevin Barry Junior – Olympian #403

Kevin and Tania met sitting on the Air New Zealand flight on their way to compete for New Zealand at the 1984 Olympic Games. Kevin competing in boxing, and Tania in gymnastics. Also seated there was Kevin’s father, Kevin Barry Senior who was the 1984 Olympic boxing coach for New Zealand.

Kevin and Tania had an instant friendship. Two years after the Olympics they became a couple and now have three children together- daughter Jordy and twin sons Taylor and Mitch.

Tish Pike – Olympian #128

Tish represented New Zealand in the Women’s Alpine events at the 1960 Winter Olympics, in Downhill, Giant Slalom, and Slalom. Many friendships were made, and in particular with fellow teammate Cecilia Wormsley pictured below.

Ella Williams – Olympian #1515

Kiwi surfer Ella Williams competed at the most recent Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Many memorable moments were shared with The New Zealand team as well the opportunity to swap pins and hang out with other athletes, including Australian surfers Sally Fitzgibbons and Stephanie Gilmore. Ella describes it as an “absolute dream come true” to be in Tokyo.

 

Bret De Thier – Olympian #169

Representing New Zealand for sailing at the 1964 Tokyo and 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, before joining the team as a sailing coach for the 1984 Los Angeles Games, forging long-standing close friendships through the Olympic movement.

Pictured below is Ralph Roberts, Jacques Rogge, and Bret De Thier  – all Finn Sailors who reconnected at many subsequent international regattas. During this time, Jacques Rogge was the current president of the International Olympic Committee.


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