 | For the first time the 99 athletes who were selected to represent New Zealand at the 1980 Olympic Games were honoured in Wellington.
While only four athletes went on to compete at the Moscow games, the full team which includes fencer Martin Brill (Individual Epee) were acknowledged for their achievements and the contributions they have made to New Zealand sport.
The political pressure and personal intimidation to withdraw and boycott the 1980 Moscow Olympics led the fencing association to withdraw Martin, less than 12 hours after his return from three weeks of pre-olympic training and competition. "I heard of my withdrawal on the six o'clock news. No one from the Association told me".
The reunion, organised by the Olympians Club of New Zealand, was attended by more than 50 of the athletes originally selected.
Representing our Association at the function was Ken Claridge (President) who said "The personal stories were moving and the opportunity to acknowledge has been overdue. It was a wonderful occasion".
The event coincided with the opening of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Exhibition at the New Zealand Olympic Museum, TSB Bank Arena, 4 Queens Wharf, Wellington.
The audio visual and displays include a beige brown 1980 Moscow blazer shirt and tie provided by Martin Brill, with "Fencing" on the blazer pocket. The display is worth a visit to learn about the interesting period and events surrounding the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games. Entry to museum is free.
For more on this story click here Thanks to NZOC media release for details. |
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