Sisters Selected to New Zealand Olympic Team

Media release
28 November 2007

Sisters Selected to New Zealand Olympic Team

Dunedin synchronised swimmers Nina and Lisa Daniels have been selected for the New Zealand Olympic Team to Beijing 2008.

The sisters won bronze in the duet event for pairs at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games 2006, and have been steadily rising world rankings, since. Their form has demonstrated to the New Zealand Olympic selectors their capability of finishing in the top 16 at Beijing next year - the requirement set by the New Zealand Olympic Committee.

Their selection will see the pair follow in the footsteps of sisters Katie and Lynette Sadleir, who represented New Zealand in synchronised swimming at Los Angeles Olympics in 1984.

“Nina and Lisa will be the first synchro team to represent New Zealand at the Olympic Games in 24 years,” said Barry Maister, NZOC Secretary General and selector. “Their commitment to their sport has seen them become a team to watch on the international stage. “

Nina 25, and Lisa, 22, are based in Toronto, Canada, where they train full time. The confirmation of their selection follows a high score of 88.083 at the Chinese Open in September and means the duo can now focus on preparation for Beijing 2008.

“We’re excited to be going to Beijing,” said Nina Daniels on her selection. “We’re headed back to Canada tomorrow (30 November) knowing we’ll be representing New Zealand at the Olympics and we’ll be 100% focused on the road ahead.”

Sue Edwards, President of Synchro Swim New Zealand said that Nina and Lisa's selection to the New Zealand Olympic Team will have a positive impact on the sport in New Zealand.

The Daniels sisters are the sixth and seventh athletes selected to the New Zealand Olympic Team to Beijing 2008. The team is expected to comprise about 150 athletes, one of whom will be New Zealand’s 1000th Olympian.

Selection announcements will continue until July 2008 as athletes meet NZOC selection criteria.

ENDS

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