After a couple of days of miserable weather (cold and a bit showery) and some setbacks with results, we have now started to pick up some momentum and medals (and the weather has picked up again). The medals at these Games are indeed particularly heavy, and quite large – not something to just carry around in your pocket. As well, they come with a lovely wooden presentation box for display.
Our Rugby 7s Teams (Mens and Womens) came here with quite major expectations and both were considered likely to win Medals. The Womens’ Team got through to the play off for Gold/Silver, but came up against a very strong Australian team and were beaten in the final. They won Silver Medals but given what the expectations were, they all felt as...Read more
What we are all here for
It is probably an indication of just how hectic things become when competition starts that it has been a few days since I last posted here. A gradual build up to the Opening Ceremony moves into a flurry of action the very...Read more
Team Function
On Thursday night we held our Team Function – the occasion where we gather as a whole for the first time, take some photos, have some speeches and announce the flag bearer. There was some debate about whether to hold it in a...Read more
People Everywhere
Men’s 7s Team Arrive
Over the past few days we have been having fairly regular arrivals, including a number of quite large teams. Yesterday we welcomed the Men’s 7s...Read more
Arrivals Coming Thick and Fast
Started today having breakfast with Sarah Jack who is a sport psychologist with the Australian Team. Sarah is a Palmerston North girl and we have known each other for a while. A few years ago she moved to take up...Read more
Transit to Rio
After the 48hr delay for traveling to Rio, things progressed as planned on Tuesday. During the waiting period when checking in with Air NZ to confirm flights, I found that that I had two ‘recognition upgrades’ waiting...Read more
Still in Build-Up Phase
This last week has seemed rather slow, waiting to head off to Rio as scheduled on Sunday July 26th. The Team clothing kit arrived early in the week and that made it even more evident that things were starting to happen. As...Read more
Gary Hermansson is the Lead Team Psychologist for the New Zealand Olympic Team at Rio 2016. This will be his 5th consecutive Olympics in the capacity of Sport Psychologist. His role in broad terms involves assisting with the development of overall...Read more