Wrestlers and cyclists big successes

Press, 11 October 1982, Page 21

Wrestlers and cyclists big successes

From

KEVIN TUTTY

in Brisbane

The emergence of wrestling, and the medal haul from cycling were the successes of the New Zealand team at the twelfth Commonwealth Games.

The team's general manager, Mr Bruce Ullrich, said that the team had performed much as expected, and the medal tally of five gold, eight silver and 13 bronze was a satisfactory effort for a Games outside New Zealand.

Swimming, with just one bronze medal, was a disappointment, but he added that it was realised that the team was weaker than at Edmonton four years ago: “There was no Rebecca Perrott or Gary Hurring in the team. “We came here with an objective of winning a medal in every sport and we almost did it. The only sport not to win a medal was weightlifting and it achieved a fourth. “The track and field team performed as well as was expected and there was only one cyclist, Anthony Cuff, who did not win a medal.

“Bowls got three medals from four events and the women's triples did particularly well winning a silver in their first competition, and beating the gold medallist, Zimbabwe, with one of its regular team absent because of illness."

Assistance from the Sports Foundation had been valuable in preparing elite athletes, said Mr Ullrich, but the foundation’s funds were limited and it needed more to do the job the way it would like.

“We did pretty well for a small country, but we need a more scientific and professional approach to sport in New Zealand in all areas,” said Mr Ullrich.

It is hoped that that might eventuate from a conference which has been called by the Ministry of Recreation and Sport for next month.

The conference will involve administrators from all sports, and also physical

education. leaders from the Ministry of Education. Mr Ullrich has been asked to address the conference.

“It will be a timely meeting so soon after the Games and will enable the Ministry of Sport to review its position in regard to sport," said Mr Ullrich.

There were many highlights for Mr Ullrich at the Games. One of them was Mike O’Rourke's gold medal in the javelin on Saturday afternoon at the main stadium. “I was with the Prime Minister in the stadium on Friday and we commented on the number of times the Australian anthem was played. “I said if he wanted to hear 'God Defend New Zealand’ he should be at the final session. He was here to see the New Zealand flag raised” The most emotional moment for Mr Ullrich was the gold medal win by Neroli Fairhall in the women’s archery competition: “I would put it on a par with the New Zealand rowing eight's win at the Munich Olympic in 1972 which I had the pleasure to see.”

Most general aspects of the Games had been satisfactory. Although a little cramped the village was comfortable and the food good. Mr Ullrich said the transport was not as flexible as it might have been. Two additional team appointments, transport officer and a media liaison manager, had proved to be extremely worthwhile appointments and will be made for future Games. The team uniform, which raised a storm in New Zealand when it was released, had not proved to be popular with the athletes.