Athletics
Zane Robertson has set a new New Zealand men’s marathon record while competing in Australia.
Robertson finished third in the Gold Coast marathon on Sunday in 2hr 8min 19secs.
‘‘Gave it everything out there today,’’ Robertson said on Instagram.
The time met the entry standard for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and this year’s world championships in Doha.
The previous New Zealand record was set by his brother, Jake Robertson, in March last year. The race was won by Japan’s Yuta Shitara in 2:07.50, with Kenya’s Barnabas Kiptum second.
Zane also holds the New Zealand 10km, 15km, 20m and half marathon records.
Rowing
After five days of racing, New Zealand crews took five wins at the finals of Henley Royal Regatta, including The Remenham Challenge Cup (women's eight), The Grand Challenge Cup (men's eight), The Hambleden Pairs Challenge Cup (women's pair), The Stonor Challenge Trophy (women's double) and The Princess Royal Challenge Cup (women's single).
The New Zealand women's eight. Photo credit: Art of Rowing
Remenham Challenge Cup
New Zealand’s Waiariki Rowing Club Remenham Challenge Cup crew of Jackie Gowler, Ella Greenslade, Kerri Gowler, Beth Ross, Lucy Spoors, Kelsey Bevan, Emma Dyke, Grace Prendergast and Caleb Shepherd (coxswain) beat Leander Club and Imperial College London in the women’s eight final.
Grand Challenge Cup
New Zealand’s Waiariki Rowing Club Grand Challenge Cup crew of Hamish Bond, Mahé Drysdale, Stephen Jones, Shaun Kirkham, James Lassche, Matt Macdonald, Brook Robertson, Philip Wilson and Sam Bosworth (coxswain) beat Leander Club and Oxford Brookes University in the men’s eight final on Sunday local time.
Mahé Drysdale also competed in the Diamond Challenge Sculls but was knocked out in his heat.
Above: Brook Robertson and Mahe Drysdale accept the Grand Challenge Cup. Photo credit, Art of Rowing
Hambleden Pairs Challenge Cup
Kerri Gowler and Grace Prendergast beat China’s X. Lin and R. Ju in the Hambleden Pairs Challenge Cup final.
The Stonor Challenge Trophy
Brooke Donoghue and Olivia Loe beat China’s S. Lu and Y. Yang in the Stonor Challenge Trophy final.
Donoghue and Loe raced New Zealand’s Sam Voss and Hannah Osborne in their heat, knocking the second Kiwi crew out.
Princess Royal Challenge Cup
Emma Twigg won the final of the Princess Royal Challenge Cup against L. I. Scheenaard of the Netherlands.
Double Sculls Challenge Cup
Chris Harris and John Storey placed second in the Double Sculls Challenge Cup after J.E. Collins and G. E. Thomas won the final by one length.
Sailing
Sam Meech is second with two days remaining at the Laser world championships in Japan.
Meech placed 17th and 8th in his two races on Sunday.
"It was a very difficult day," Meech admitted.
"I didn't have a terrible day but I also didn't have a great day. There are still four more races to go and in these regattas it really does come down to the last race when everyone's discards come in.
"We have two more days with conditions that look like a lot of points can be thrown around. I'm just going to keep trying and hope it ends up well."
Meech has been one of the world's most consistent Laser sailors over the past couple of years, and has already pocketed three silver medals from three regattas this year, but is still searching for a first world championship medal. He was fourth in Aarhus last year after leading for the first half of the regatta.
Pacific Games
Weightlifter David Liti has carried the flag for New Zealand at the Opening Ceremony of the Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa.
The Games begin today (July 8) and New Zealand has sent a team of 54 athletes to compet in men’s football, weightlifting, archery, athletics and taekwondo.
The footballers are the first in action, taking on Tonga in their opening match at 3pm NZT on July 8th. Sky Sport will broadcast 8-hours a day of Pacific Games coverage.
The Games are held every four years, with more than 4,000 athletes from 24 nations competing in 27 sports at this edition.
Triathlon
Ryan Sissons has finished 10th at the World Triathlon Series leg in Hamburg.
The 31-year-old two time Olympian said he struggled in the race so was happy with his placing.
“Felt pretty average all race and lacked a bit of speed over the 5K. The work continues for the big show to come,” said Sissons post-race.