The father of Tauranga's Luuka Jones has spoken of the ecstatic moment his daughter claimed a silver Olympic medal.
Luuka's father Rod Jones said it had been an exciting morning with the family waking to watch the 4am semi-final.
"I was jolly nervous, we are a close family. We allknow how she would have been feeling. I know how hard she has focused, and her sacrifices. I felt it intensely.
"We are so so proud of her."
Mr Jones said it had been a long journey for his 27-year-old daughter. She had shown an interest in the sport from as early as 9-years-old but had always wanted to compete at the Olympics.
