Multimedia journalist Kris Shannon covers cricket, rugby, football and Olympic sports.
I’m Kris Shannon and I’m a Multimedia Sport Journalist. Aged five my football team lost our first game 17-0, so I decided to try journalism. I studied at Massey University in Palmerston North and Wellington before moving to Auckland for my first job at the fledgling APNZ newswire (RIP) in 2011. I wrote about many codes across the Herald titles for six years before enjoying an OE in London, where I worked as a sub-editor on the sport desk at the Daily Express. I then returned to New Zealand and the Herald full-time in 2021, settling into a role centred around cricket, rugby, football and Olympic sports. Sport has been a lifelong passion – despite that early thrashing – and spending the day at a stadium instead of the office is always enjoyable. Highlights include covering the Breakers’ three-peat in Perth, the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and Birmingham and, most memorably, Grant Elliott’s six at Eden Park.
![Kiwi triathlete thinks he can crack rival and claim Olympic gold](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwi triathlete thinks he can crack rival and claim Olympic gold
Hayden Wilde is confident of outracing Alex Yee – and the prospect of a swim in the Seine.
![Player ratings: The best and the rest from Super Rugby final](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Player ratings: The best and the rest from Super Rugby final
The Blues had standouts all over the field. The Chiefs, not so much.
![Kris Shannon: The beginning of the end for Kane Williamson](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kris Shannon: The beginning of the end for Kane Williamson
OPINION: The situation provides a chance to reflect on what might have been.
!['We need to be lot better': Black Caps' hopes hang by a thread](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We need to be lot better': Black Caps' hopes hang by a thread
The Black Caps’ loss to Afghanistan made some unwanted history for Kane Williamson's side.
![Black Caps capitulate against Afghanistan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Black Caps capitulate against Afghanistan
The Black Caps began their T20 World Cup by crashing to a historic defeat by Afghanistan.
![Underdone Black Caps facing 'one of the best' bowling attacks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Underdone Black Caps facing 'one of the best' bowling attacks
New Zealand belatedly begin their T20 World Cup against a dangerous Afghanistan today.
![Olympics countdown: Key questions ahead of Paris](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Olympics countdown: Key questions ahead of Paris
Medal hopes, mascots and b-boys - there are many questions to be answered in Paris.
![Crusaders veterans help keep hopes alive](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Crusaders veterans help keep hopes alive
The Crusaders have ended a dismal campaign with the win they required.
![Olympics countdown: The team helping Lewis Clareburt chase history](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Olympics countdown: The team helping Lewis Clareburt chase history
The swimmer is seeking an Olympic medal after setting a world-leading time in the 400IM.
![Olympics countdown: A look inside our elite sprint cycling team](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Olympics countdown: A look inside our elite sprint cycling team
A quiet morning in Cambridge is enlivened by one of the most electrifying sights in sport.
![Injury-ravaged Warriors stun reigning premiers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Injury-ravaged Warriors stun reigning premiers
Facing immense adversity, the Warriors recorded one of their most famous recent wins.
![Bandwagoners' guide for the biggest game in Phoenix history](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bandwagoners' guide for the biggest game in Phoenix history
With all welcome aboard, we have a handy cheat sheet to get you ready for Saturday night.
![Highlanders outclass Crusaders to snap three-year duck](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Highlanders outclass Crusaders to snap three-year duck
The Highlanders had lost their last 19 derbies before handing their rivals another blow.
![Chiefs waltz to another win over Moana Pasifika](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Chiefs waltz to another win over Moana Pasifika
The Chiefs moved to third in Super Rugby after an uninspiring encounter at Mt Smart.
![More misery for Crusaders as Reds make history](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
More misery for Crusaders as Reds make history
David Havili’s switch to No 10 couldn't stop the Crusaders from crashing to another loss.
!['Change or be left behind': Southee embraces T20 scoring explosion](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Change or be left behind': Southee embraces T20 scoring explosion
Tim Southee is well aware of just how different the shortest form has become.
!['Made it easier for us': The injury that cemented Black Caps' squad](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Made it easier for us': The injury that cemented Black Caps' squad
Coach Gary Stead and selector Sam Wells had the toughest call taken out of their hands.
![Hurricanes unable to break Brumbies hoodoo](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hurricanes unable to break Brumbies hoodoo
The Hurricanes saw their winning streak emphatically ended in Canberra on Saturday.
![Back-up Black Caps aim to play their way into World Cup plans](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Back-up Black Caps aim to play their way into World Cup plans
The five-match T20 series with Pakistan is New Zealand's last before naming their squad.
![Black Ferns skipper calls for Aupiki to merge with Australia](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Black Ferns skipper calls for Aupiki to merge with Australia
Ruahei Demant celebrated the Super Rugby Aupiki title by issuing a plea for the future.
![Hurricanes show heart to stay perfect](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hurricanes show heart to stay perfect
The Hurricanes have an elusive second Super Rugby title fixed within their sights.
!['I love hitting sixes': New Black Cap plans to attack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I love hitting sixes': New Black Cap plans to attack
Tim Robinson finds it addicting to hit the ball as far as he can.
!['Golden three days': Captaincy caps dream spell for Bracewell](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Golden three days': Captaincy caps dream spell for Bracewell
After the slow grind of recovery, Michael Bracewell's luck changed in a hurry last month.
![Savea loving coaching, culture and fans in Japan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Savea loving coaching, culture and fans in Japan
It didn’t take long for Ardie Savea to know he had made the right choice to move to Kobe.
!['Times are changing': Savea voices support for overseas All Blacks' eligibility](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Times are changing': Savea voices support for overseas All Blacks' eligibility
Star player available for tests this season but some offshore teammates will be absent.
![Back from the dead: Crusaders sound a Super Rugby warning](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Back from the dead: Crusaders sound a Super Rugby warning
The previously winless champs appeared ready for a revival while beating the Chiefs.
![Bates bowls White Ferns to one of their 'best wins'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bates bowls White Ferns to one of their 'best wins'
The opening batter delivered with the ball when her team most needed against England.
!['We've got to find a way': White Ferns bemoan batting woes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We've got to find a way': White Ferns bemoan batting woes
The White Ferns are well aware of their biggest batting problem but a solution isn't easy.
![Why does everybody hate the Crusaders?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why does everybody hate the Crusaders?
Opinion: The Blues can drop the Crusaders to 0-5 - many are praying for such a downfall.
![White Ferns skipper 'realistic' about gap to big guns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
White Ferns skipper 'realistic' about gap to big guns
Ahead of today's second T20 against England, Sophie Devine assessed the state of the game.
![White Ferns missing two stars to start England series](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
White Ferns missing two stars to start England series
The White Ferns will be without two of their best players for the first T20 on Tuesday.
![Black Caps report card: Best and the rest from Aussie series](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Black Caps report card: Best and the rest from Aussie series
After losing two tests to Australia, we grade the performances of the New Zealand players.
!['The wait goes on': Black Caps skipper rues missed chances](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'The wait goes on': Black Caps skipper rues missed chances
Tim Southee wonders whether his last chance to topple Australia at home has been lost.
![Anatomy of a fall: How history escaped the Black Caps' grasp](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Anatomy of a fall: How history escaped the Black Caps' grasp
Grey skies greeted New Zealand on a day they hoped would end in a rare win over Australia.
![Black Caps seek 'great feat' 50 years after first](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Black Caps seek 'great feat' 50 years after first
The Black Caps need six wickets and Australia require 202 runs. A decisive morning awaits.
![Rampant Black Caps have history in sight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rampant Black Caps have history in sight
New Zealand will begin day four six wickets away from a ninth test victory over Australia.
!['A leader with the ball': Henry looms as pivotal figure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'A leader with the ball': Henry looms as pivotal figure
Kane Williamson thinks Matt Henry would look right at home in Australia's imposing attack.
![Latham finds form to lead Black Caps in front](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Latham finds form to lead Black Caps in front
Tom Latham and Black Caps steadily embark on mission to save Australia series.
!['It's no concern': Henry hits back as batters battle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'It's no concern': Henry hits back as batters battle
Matt Henry now leads New Zealand in wickets taken and runs scored against Australia.
![Party pooped: Black Caps centurions outclassed by Australia](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Party pooped: Black Caps centurions outclassed by Australia
TIm Southee and Kane Williamson had little to celebrate on the opening day at Hagley Oval.
![Twin tons: Southee and Williamson hit milestone together](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Twin tons: Southee and Williamson hit milestone together
Black Caps duo will enter an exclusive club when they face Australia on Friday.
![Thrashed Black Caps could throw lifeline to Wagner](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Thrashed Black Caps could throw lifeline to Wagner
With injury hitting the Black Caps, Tim Southee wouldn't rule out Neil Wagner's return.
!['They can chase down any total': Young guns key for Black Caps](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'They can chase down any total': Young guns key for Black Caps
History is against the Black Caps on the decisive day of the first test against Australia.
![Phillips boosts Black Caps before record chase](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phillips boosts Black Caps before record chase
Glenn Phillips has done his part in New Zealand's long-shot bid to beat Australia.
![Mission Impossible 2? Stunned Black Caps will 'keep throwing punches'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mission Impossible 2? Stunned Black Caps will 'keep throwing punches'
Glenn Phillips quashed talk of Australia's mental edge after a dire day for New Zealand.
![Black Caps deliver some of their grisliest cricket in a decade](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Black Caps deliver some of their grisliest cricket in a decade
New Zealand ended day two of the first test against Australia hoping for another miracle.
!['Relentless' Henry edges gripping duel with Aussie star](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Relentless' Henry edges gripping duel with Aussie star
Opener Usman Khawaja seemed set for another big score, until Matt Henry intervened.
![Henry heads the pack as honours even on opening day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Henry heads the pack as honours even on opening day
A new era for the Black Caps’ seam attack started encouragingly against Australia.
![Black Caps begin daunting test with seam instability](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Black Caps begin daunting test with seam instability
The Black Caps will on Thursday begin their quest for a ninth test victory over Australia.
!['They have an edge on us': Santner hopes for no test hangover](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'They have an edge on us': Santner hopes for no test hangover
Mitchell Santner and his team suffered a clean sweep in the T20 series against Australia.
![Black Caps opener in doubt for first test against Australia](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Black Caps opener in doubt for first test against Australia
Devon Conway copped a blow to the left thumb while wicketkeeping during the second T20.
![Black Caps squander pace attack fightback](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Black Caps squander pace attack fightback
New Zealand's pacemen did their best but Australia easily wrapped up the T20 series.
![Black Caps counting on Boult to blank Aussie gun](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Black Caps counting on Boult to blank Aussie gun
Trent Boult will face off against fellow T20 specialist Tim David at Eden Park tonight.
![Final ball thriller: Conway finds runs before Black Caps pipped](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Final ball thriller: Conway finds runs before Black Caps pipped
Australia spoiled his night from the final ball but Devon Conway boosted his confidence.
!['I can get through this': Injured Black Cap confident of return](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I can get through this': Injured Black Cap confident of return
Kyle Jamieson suffered another cruel injury blow, ruled out until at least next summer.
!['Best player in the world': Watching Williamson in his happy place](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Best player in the world': Watching Williamson in his happy place
Tim Southee feels fortunate to share a dressing room with Kane Williamson.
![Masterful Williamson leads Black Caps to history](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Masterful Williamson leads Black Caps to history
Kane Williamson hit test ton No32 to lead his side to a first series win over the Proteas.
!['A special moment': Young gun fires for Black Caps](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'A special moment': Young gun fires for Black Caps
New Zealand appear to have unearthed a long-term weapon in 22-year-old Will O’Rourke.
![Young pair haul Black Caps back into contention](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Young pair haul Black Caps back into contention
Will O’Rourke snared a record return on debut while Glenn Phillips added a vital spark.
!['They showed how to bowl': Black Caps must match Proteas' approach](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'They showed how to bowl': Black Caps must match Proteas' approach
South Africa taught New Zealand a painful lesson of how to play in their home conditions.
![Black Caps crumble with history in sight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Black Caps crumble with history in sight
New Zealand collapsed on the second afternoon of the second test against South Africa.
!['It could be a grind': Ravindra ready for testing time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'It could be a grind': Ravindra ready for testing time
If the Black Caps have misread the Seddon Park pitch, Rachin Ravindra can fill a key role.
![Proteas frustrate Black Caps pacemen](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Proteas frustrate Black Caps pacemen
South Africa opted to bat and proved difficult to break down on day one at Seddon Park.
!['It's been crazy': Young paceman set for rapid ascent](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'It's been crazy': Young paceman set for rapid ascent
Will O’Rourke may debut when the Black Caps look to clinch the series over South Africa.
!['It's a luxury': Black Caps skipper keeping options open](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'It's a luxury': Black Caps skipper keeping options open
Tim Southee is preparing for his 10th test as captain with more levers to pull than ever.
![Black Caps suffer injury blow, Williamson in doubt for Australia](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Black Caps suffer injury blow, Williamson in doubt for Australia
Black Caps batsman Daryl Mitchell will miss the second test against South Africa.
![History in sight for dominant Black Caps](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
History in sight for dominant Black Caps
New Zealand broke down a stubborn South Africa to seal a crushing win in the first test.
!['I'm not used to that': Santner finally enjoys home advantage](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I'm not used to that': Santner finally enjoys home advantage
Mitchell Santner in thriving with the red ball but unsure of when his next test will come.
![Williamson hits ton 31 as openers' struggles continue](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Williamson hits ton 31 as openers' struggles continue
Kane Williamson scored 109 to give the Black Caps a 528-run lead over South Africa.
!['His biggest strength': The key to Ravindra's rapid ascent](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'His biggest strength': The key to Ravindra's rapid ascent
Kane Williamson knows what it takes to score a test double century at a young age.
![Rachin Ravindra sends more records tumbling](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rachin Ravindra sends more records tumbling
A splendid double century from Rachin Ravindra kept the Black Caps on top of South Africa.
!['You're unbelievable': Rachin Ravindra reaches batting bliss](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'You're unbelievable': Rachin Ravindra reaches batting bliss
For Rachin Ravindra, the first day against South Africa represented a years-long dream.
![Master and apprentice take charge for Black Caps](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Master and apprentice take charge for Black Caps
Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra both scored centuries on day one against South Africa.
![Four red flags for Black Caps at Bay Oval](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Four red flags for Black Caps at Bay Oval
Tim Southee will have a wary eye on the weakened Proteas when the first test starts today.
![Feel the romance: Williamson goes into bat for beloved format](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Feel the romance: Williamson goes into bat for beloved format
Kane Williamson and the Black Caps will be hoping to make history against South Africa.
![What we learned from Pakistan series](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What we learned from Pakistan series
Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell have become one of their side's best T20 combinations.
![Sloppy Black Caps rolled by Pakistan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sloppy Black Caps rolled by Pakistan
The hosts were chasing a clean sweep at Hagley Oval - but Pakistan had other ideas.
![Record stand powers Black Caps to fourth straight win](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Record stand powers Black Caps to fourth straight win
Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips hauled their side out of an early hole against Pakistan.