New Zealand’s Olympic family including past, present and future athletes, have gathered together for the premiere of the 'One Fern. One Hundred Years' documentary.
'One Fern. One Hundred Years - The New Zealand Olympic Team' celebrates 100-years of the New Zealand Team at the Olympic Games, telling the story of New Zealand's proud Olympic history and looking back on some of the moments which have helped to shape our nations cultural identity.
The documentary has been produced by Sky Sport in partnership with the NZOC, with the 60-minute film screening to an audience of more than 100 at Auckland’s AUT City Campus this evening.
NZOC CEO Kereyn Smith says the film reflects the amazing contribution New Zealand’s Olympians have made to our nation.
“From Jack Lovelock winning our first Olympic athletics gold in in 1936, to Dame Yvette Williams becoming our first woman to win Olympic gold, Sir Peter Snell’s golden double in Tokyo in 1964 and teenagers Zoi Sadowski-Synnott and Nico Porteous winning bronze within hours of each other in PyeongChang in 2018, this documentary covers countless inspiring moments that have gone down in New Zealand’s history.” said Smith.
“As well as showcasing our sporting success the film also depicts what the Olympic Games have meant to the people of New Zealand and how the athletes performances have inspired pride and excellence across generations of Kiwis.
“It was a pleasure to watch and I hope everyone at home enjoys it as much as I did.”
As well as covering standout sporting moments, the documentary also includes an in-depth look at the symbology of the iconic silver fern and its place in our sporting story, with New Zealand Olympians reflecting on their emotions as they held their silver fern outfits for the first time. The athletes also offer up some personal insights on the challenges they faced to attain their goals.
Those in attendance at the premiere included Blair Tuke, Eliza McCartney, Rob Waddell, Dylan Schmidt, Barbara Kendall, Alison Shanks, Dj Forbes and more.
Above: Sarah Cowley Ross, Eliza McCartney & Alison Shanks
Rio 2016 Bronze medallist Eliza McCartney says the documentary inspired her as she works towards the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games.
“It was really special to hear the stories of the amazing athletes who’ve paved the way for us today,” said McCartney.
“It’s been a strange year for everyone working towards the Olympic Games but it was great to watch the documentary and remember that those who came before us also faced challenges.
“Competing at the Olympic Games is the pinnacle of sport and I’m looking forward to the chance to pull on the fern again next year and add to our proud Olympic history.”
Sky Television CEO Martin Stewart says the organisation jumped at the chance to tell the story of New Zealand’s Olympic history.
“We're privileged to partner with the NZOC to showcase the peak of human endeavour - the Olympics,” said Stewart.
“New Zealand has a long history of achievement on the world stage with every athlete honoured to wear the fern.
“The One Fern documentary respects tradition, endeavour and commitment, and our team, lead by Paora Ratahi, was proud to put this together to celebrate one hundred years."
The ‘One Fern. One Hundred Years’ documentary features Danyon Loader, Ian Ferguson, Marise Chamberlain, Rob Waddell, Barbara Kendall, Ella Williams, Sarah Ulmer, Peter Snell, Lisa Carrington, Dame Valerie Adams, Mahe Drysdale and more.
'One Fern. One Hundred Years' premiered to the public this evening (November 2nd) at 7:30pm on Sky Sport 3. The documentary will play again on Sky Sport 3 at 10am tomorrow (November 3rd), with a free to air screening on Prime on November 4th at 7:30pm.
A History with Impact
The New Zealand Team has attended 25 Summer Olympic Games and 16 Winter Olympic Games with 1387 Olympians representing New Zealand at the Games, winning a total of 123 medals.
The 1920 Antwerp Olympic Games marked the first time New Zealanders marched into the Opening Ceremony of an Olympic Games wearing the Silver Fern as the New Zealand Team. Prior to this New Zealanders attended the Olympic Games in 1908 and 1912 as part of the Australasian Team.
In Antwerp swimmer Violet Walrond (OLY#9) was the first New Zealand woman to compete at the Olympic Games. As a teenage girl, she had to be chaperoned by her father, stay in her room while her teammates were training, and she wasn’t even allowed to attend the all-male team function on her return.
New Zealand’s top Olympic moments and milestones can be viewed here.