Judo: Two judokas to Olympics

WELLINGTON - Oceania judo champions Daniel Gowing and Fiona Iredale have secured berths in the New Zealand team for the Olympic Games in Sydney in September.

The New Zealand Olympic Committee has confirmed that Gowing, of Auckland, will line up in the under-100kg class, while Iredale, of Hamilton, will contest the over-78kg division.

Gowing has previous Olympic experience after finishing ninth at the 1996 games in Atlanta.

Judo New Zealand president Harry O'Rourke believes Gowing and Iredale have the potential to perform to a high level in Sydney.

"Both Daniel and Fiona are ranked No 1 within the Oceania Judo Union for their respective weight divisions and we are confident they have demonstrated the ability to do very well at the Olympic Games," he said.

New Zealand has had an Olympic representative in judo at every Olympic Games since 1984.

Olympic Committee chief executive Michael Hooper said both athletes had proved their ability.

"Daniel already has Olympic experience, producing a top-10 finish in Atlanta four years ago, and I am sure he will be looking to at least repeat that performance in Sydney, while Fiona has produced consistently good results on the international stage in recent times."

The announcement of the judo team brings to five the number of sports that have confirmed their teams for the games. Women's softball, yachting, shooting and gymnastics had previously announced their teams.

- NZPA