SCOOP Olympic Update , Tuesday 19 September, 2000

SCOOP Olympic Update, Tuesday 19 September, 2000
Article: Mathew Loh

DESPITE the failure of Sarah Ulmer to deliver an expected bronze in women's cycling Monday was still a day when 'kiwi girl-power' saw New Zealand proud.

After a truly 'Olympian' effort from White Sox pitcher Gina Weber inspired a come-from-behind win on the softball diamond the New Zealand women's hockey maintained the momentum with a history-making 2-0 victory over sporting powerhouses China.

It was the New Zealand women's hockey team's first Olympic success and following on from their impressive 1-1 opening against Germany it bodes extremely well for future medal prospects.

Expecting a physical game from the Chinese, who were always going to make it difficult for the NZer's to find space, New Zealand were reliant on their skill and their undoubted talent as a team saw them a take 1-0 lead through a Kate Trollope goal.

A Tina Bell-Kake goal from a penalty corner delivered by Sue Pearce to Kate Trollope who trapped it for Bell-Kake's strike gave New Zealand a 2-0 lead with 32 minutes to go in the game.

And by revealing spirit to match their skill New Zealand then went on to defend with tenacity to survive a desperate Chinese attack which threw everything at the Kiwis to no avail.

In other Olympic news the Chinese men's gymnastics team made history by winning their first ever team gymnastics gold. After winning five world championships and earning many individual golds the team victory was a long time coming and the Chinese were elated with their success.

In the pool veteran South African breast-stroker world record holder Penny Heynesbowed out in style with a bronze medal in the 100 metres women's breast-stroke. The race was a true handing over of the guard as the gold went to 15-year-old Megan Quann of the USA while a 14-year-old Aussie took silver.

Also in the pool Ukrainian emigre Lenny Krazenberg represented his adopted country with style to win the 100 metres back-stroking gold.

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