KEY POINTS:
In-form New Zealand triathletes Bevan Docherty, Kris Gemmell, Sam Warriner and Debbie Tanner have been picked for next year's Olympics in Beijing.
It is the first time New Zealand Olympic Committee selectors have named more than one female triathlete for an Olympic Games.
NZOC secretary-general and selector Barry Maister said yesterday Docherty, 30, Gemmell, 30, Warriner, 36, and Tanner, 25, had produced consistently strong showings at World Cup competitions throughout the pre-Olympic build-up.
"They left selectors with no doubt they have met New Zealand's tough selection criteria.
"All four athletes have won World Cup races in the past year and are all ranked in the top 10 in the world," Maister said.
"Who can forget the amazing day in Athens in 2004 when triathlon kick-started the New Zealand medal tally with a gold and silver in the men's triathlon?
"Now, with both men and women represented at a very high level we're looking forward to an exciting performance from the team in Beijing."
Triathlon NZ's high performance manager, Stephen Farrell, believes the early selection will be an advantage for the triathletes selected, giving them optimal preparation time.
Farrell expects further triathlon selections next year.
"There will be 25 triathletes at Beijing 2008 with a real hope of a medal finish.
"We believe six of these athletes, three men and three women, will be New Zealanders."
Terenzo Bozzone, Shane Reed, Nicky Samuels and Andrea Hewitt are the top contenders for the remaining male and female spots in the New Zealand team to Beijing.
All are ranked 35 or higher in Olympic rankings but must meet IOC criteria before being nominated for selection.
Warriner and Docherty represented New Zealand at Athens with Docherty winning silver behind teammate Hamish Carter.
Gemmell, who will make his first Olympics appearance, said: "Being officially named in the team is one of the proudest moments in my career.
"I can't wait to wear that silver fern and chase the medals down."
With 240 days left to the Olympics opening ceremony the NZOC has so far confirmed five sailors, two synchronised swimmers, the four triathletes, and the women's hockey and basketball teams.
- NZPA
