Gymnastics: Auckland dominates Games selection

Six gymnasts were named yesterday to represent New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester next month.

The team of four women and two men are all from Auckland.

Alethea Boon, 18, who appeared at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, leads the four-strong women's artistic team and has been joined by Kate Brocklehurst, Belinda Castles and Nicki Wells.

Boon, who has a world ranking of 104, finished 20th in the all-round competition and was a member of the team who finished eighth at Kuala Lumpur.

Brocklehurst, 15, is the youngest member of the team. She was rated the best junior in New Zealand in 2000.

Castles, also 15, finished 11th and 17-year-old Wells 16th in the senior section at the recent Pacific Alliance championships in Vancouver.

Garrick Rowe, 26, is the elder statesman in the team. He has a wealth of experience in the sport and will compete on the floor and vault.

Daniel Good, 18, is the other member. He was the national champion last year after winning the junior title the year before.

New Zealand Olympic Committee secretary-general Barry Maister said the team had immense potential.

"These are highly-talented young athletes who have proved their ability in the last couple of years.

"We believe they will perform with great credit in Manchester and the experience gained should hold them in good stead looking ahead to the Olympic Games in 2004."

New Zealand Gymnastics executive director Marie Stechman said the team's preparation for the Games had met the requirements of the gymnasts.

"Following final competitions in Australia, the men will complete their preparation in Auckland and the women will train in England before being the first New Zealand team to enter the Commonwealth Games village on July 16."

- NZPA