BURLING AND TUKE TO LEAD NZ OLYMPIC TEAM
Emirates Team New Zealand sailors Peter Burling and Blair Tuke have been named as co-captains of the New Zealand Olympic Team, at a ceremony at the Athletes’ Village in Rio de Janeiro this evening.
Olympic silver medallists and four-time world champion sailors Peter Burling and Blair Tuke were each presented with a traditional kakahu (cloak) by the New Zealand Olympic Team Chef de Mission Rob Waddell together with His Excellency the Rt. Hon. Lt. Gen. Sir Jerry Mateparae.
As co-captains, the duo will provide leadership to the wider New Zealand Olympic Team and both will have the honour of leading the team in the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony on 5th August.
Burling, as a three-time Olympian and helmsman, will carry the New Zealand flag as the official flagbearer.
“We are so incredibly proud to be leading the team together and to be honoured as a crew,” said Burling.
“We would not have had the success we have had without each other and we know this is the case for many of us in the New Zealand Olympic Team.”
Tuke said he hoped their experience as a team would enable them to add value to others performances.
“We are just so proud and, by sharing our experiences gained as a team, we hope we can inspire incredible performances here in Rio.”
Chef de Mission and former Emirates Team New Zealand grinder Rob Waddell said he was proud to have named the two sailors to a joint leadership role.
“I’d like to offer both Pete and Blair my warmest congratulations,” said Waddell from the team’s residence in the Olympic Village.
“The joint appointment is a step away from Olympic tradition but it acknowledges the importance of teamwork at the Olympic Games.
“Pete and Blair have delivered exceptional performances as a crew over the past four years and have epitomised the values and culture of the New Zealand Olympic Team."
"Their focus on achievement is without compromise, but as proud New Zealanders and Olympic Ambassadors they also take the time to share their inspiring stories with youngsters. We know they will inspire through achievement and performance.”
Peter and Blair’s Olympic campaign begins on August 13th with their first race in the 49er.