Archers Olivia Hodgson and Adam Kaluzny have shot one of the rounds of their lives to secure a mixed team quota spot for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The Kiwis beat Australia in a dramatic final of their Continental Qualification Tournament held at the Pacific Games in Samoa.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Hodgson.
“My phone is ringing nonstop at the moment. It’s been a big goal of ours to represent New Zealand and be able to get to Tokyo next year.”
The final was full of drama. New Zealand went up early but then an error from Kaluzny helped Australia draw level and force a shootout.
Kaluzny shot a 10 and Hodgson an 8 to take the win.
“The pressure was really high, I really concentrated on my process and my shot and was happy to get a good one,” said Kaluzny.
Above: Kaluzny and Hodgson
The New Zealanders then erupted into tears, overcome with emotion and the realisation that they’d nabbed the Tokyo 2020 quota spot.
“It was so cool, such an honour to represent New Zealand and to represent them well,” said Hodgson.
Hodgson now departs for the archery test event in Tokyo while Kaluzny will continue to prepare with national competitions in New Zealand.