In a heartwarming nod to its storied past, New Zealand’s athletic community is celebrating the return of a national treasure just in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The medal, originally won by swimmer Malcolm Champion at the 1912 Stockholm Games, has resurfaced, bringing with it stories of glory and a renewed sense of pride among this year’s Olympic hopefuls.
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A historic recovery for New Zealand
The medal’s journey back to New Zealand is as storied as its original win. After changing hands several times, it was generously donated back to the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) by an Australian whose family had held it since the 1940s. The return of this cherished artifact has sparked excitement throughout the NZOC and among fans nationwide.
Sha’Carri Richardson and Gabby Thomas head to head in 200m final at U.S. olympic trials
Symbol of national pride
The medal represents more than just a victory in sports; it symbolizes a pivotal moment in New Zealand’s Olympic history. Malcolm Champion’s gold was the first for the country, achieved during the last Olympics where New Zealand and Australia competed as a combined entity, the Australasian team.
Celebrating a champion
Malcolm Champion, aptly named for his achievements, was 28 when he clinched gold as part of the 4x200m freestyle relay team. Alongside his Australian teammates, Champion set a world record in the event, establishing a legacy that would inspire generations of athletes to come.
Preserving and inspiring
The NZOC plans to leverage this historic medal to inspire current athletes and the public alike. It will be displayed in the Olympic Village in Paris and later in the newly planned Sports Hall of Fame, making it accessible to all New Zealanders as a source of inspiration and national pride.
Legacy in action
The medal has already begun to inspire athletes like Hazel Ouwehand, a first-time Olympic competitor in swimming, who expressed awe and motivation upon seeing the medal. Its presence serves as a tangible reminder of the enduring spirit and legacy of New Zealand athletes on the world stage.
Continuing the tradition
As New Zealand’s athletes prepare for Paris, they carry with them not just personal ambitions but the weight of a storied past represented by Malcolm Champion’s medal. Its return is a timely boost, connecting past triumphs with present-day endeavors at the most prestigious sporting event in the world.
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This article explores the emotional journey of New Zealand’s first Olympic gold medal from its win in 1912 to its return to the NZOC in 2024. The medal’s significance extends beyond its historical and monetary value; it symbolizes the enduring legacy and pride of a nation in the global sporting arena. As it returns to the Olympic Village in Paris, it continues to inspire new generations of athletes, reminding them of the rich heritage they are part of and the global stage on which they compete.
Published first in NZ Herald
