WELLINGTON - Six New Zealand shooters will make their Olympic Games debuts at Sydney in September.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee has confirmed a record seven-strong team, with only Wellington trap shooter Brant Woodward having previous experience of an Olympic Games.
Woodward appeared at the Atlanta Olympics four years ago.
Two familiar names are missing from the shooting contingent.
Smallbore marksman Stephen Petterson and pistol exponent Greg Yelavich - both multi-medal winners at the Commonwealth Games - have failed to achieve the qualifying standards.
The previous biggest shooting teams to represent New Zealand at an Olympic Games contained four members - at Munich in 1972, Montreal in 1976 and Seoul in 1988.
Auckland's Tania Corrigan, who won two silver medals and one bronze at the 1998 Commonwealth Games, is the only shooter selected who will compete in two events - the air pistol and the 25m pistol (formerly sport pistol).
Olympic committee chief executive Michael Hooper said he was sure the athletes selected would perform with credit.
"Shooting is one of the most competitive international disciplines but there is an abundance of talent in the group and I am sure they will produce their best in Sydney."
Shooting Federation executive officer Graeme Hudson said the size of the team was proof that shooting was in good health.
"It's an indication of the hard work that has gone in from those in contention. To have not only secured quota spots in so many events but also for the athletes to have had to secure even higher targets than those set by the international federation to qualify is heartening for the sport and we look forward to competing with distinction in Sydney."
Woodward, Des Coe, Brian Thomson, Geoff Jukes and Corrigan were all members of New Zealand's team at the 1998 Commonwealth Games team in Kuala Lumpur.
Shooting is the third sport to have its athletes confirmed for the Olympics, after women's softball and yachting.
The team: Brant Woodward (Wellington) trap, Victor Shaw (Paeroa) trap, Desmond Coe (Matamata) double trap, Brian Thomson (Pukekohe) skeet, Geoffrey Jukes (Winton) skeet, Teresa Borrell (Auckland) trap, Tania Corrigan (Auckland) air pistol, 25m pistol.
- NZPA
