KEY POINTS:
ATHLETICS
Adrian Blincoe
North Harbour, 4/11/79, 5000m
Broke Dick Quax's 31-year-old 5000m national record with a great 13min 10.19sec run in Belgium last month. The US-based runner has stepped up to the longer event after concentrating on the 1500m, in which he finished 10th at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
James Dolphin
North Harbour, 17/6/83, 200m
Cruised past the qualifying mark with a personal best 20.56sec run in Sydney in January. Dolphin made the Commonwealth Games final, finishing eighth, and the quarter-finals at the 2003 and 2007 world championships in Osaka.
Stuart Farquhar
Waikato, 15/3/82, Javelin
Undisputed New Zealand champion for the past eight years, he made it to the Athens Games in 2004 and narrowly missed the final at the world championships in Osaka last year. Has a personal best of 83.23m.
Beatrice Faumuina
Waitakere, 23/10/74, Discus
The experienced campaigner of the athletics team. Beijing will be the fourth Olympics for this 1997 world champion who went to her first Commonwealth Games in 1994. Returned to form to claim her spot on the team.
Liza Hunter-Galvan
Counties-Manukau, 25/6/69, Marathon
Perhaps the most controversial selection of the entire team. Ran a 2hr 30min 39sec personal best last year, well under the qualifying mark but was not picked because of previous poor performances. The US-based runner appealed and won. Will be her second Olympics.
Nina Rillstone
Dunedin, 15/4/75, Marathon
Made a sizzling marathon debut two years ago running 2hr 29min 46sec, a New Zealand marathon debut record and the fastest in 20 years. Holds the NZ half-marathon record with a world-class 1hr 10min 35sec in 2005.
Kimberley Smith
Counties Manukau, 19/11/81, 10,000m, 5000m
Ran into contention as an outside medal chance with a fifth place at the world champs last year. Has overcome injury to become one of the country's all-time best women distance runners. US-based, she holds the Oceania 3000m, 5000m and 10,000m records.
Valerie Vili
Counties Manukau, 6/10/84, Shot put
Stands as a giant of the team, not because of her physical stature but because of her status as world champion indoors and outdoors, Commonwealth champion and gold medal hopeful. Look for her personal best of 20.54m to be shattered.
Rebecca Wardell
Canterbury, 21/12/77, Heptathlon
Came back from serious hip injury to make the grade with a personal best and qualifying performance of 6108 points. Finished seventh at the Commonwealth Games and also competed at the 2003 world championships.
Nick Willis
Wellington, 25/4/83, 1500m, 800m
Showed early star potential when he ran a world-class mile as a teenager, then headed to the US college system from which he has graduated to be one of about a dozen runners with a chance of making the podium in Beijing. Second Olympics.
BADMINTON
John Moody
North Harbour, 21/2/83, Singles
Contested the Melbourne Commonwealth Games two years ago, reaching quarter-finals in singles and part of team which finished fourth. Qualified for his first Olympics by ranking 24th on the international standings.
Craig Cooper
Waikato, 28/2/81, Mixed doubles
Going to his first Olympics after being in fourth-finishing team in Melbourne at Commonwealth Games. He and partner Flavell clocked up the miles to get qualifying points.
Renee Flavell
Auckland, 28/3/82, Mixed doubles
Her first Olympics. She and Cooper did well on the international circuit, qualifying through finishing 15th on rankings for the 16-team event. Prepared for Beijing in Asia.
BASKETBALL
Suzie Bates
Otago, 16/9/87, Guard
At 1.73m tall, Bates first played for the Tall Ferns against Japan last year. Has played for the New Zealand women's cricket team.
Clare Bodensteiner
Christchurch, 31/10/84, Guard
Born in Christchurch, but grew up in Idaho and attended Stanford University. Made Tall Ferns debut in April.
Micaela Cocks
North Shore, 2/5/86, Guard
Has played for New Zealand through the age groups, making her Tall Ferns debut in Taiwan in 2005. Won silver medal at Melbourne Commonwealth Games. Now on a scholarship at the University of Oregon.
Jillian Harmon
New York, 3/3/87, Forward
Born in New York to a New Zealand mother, she is a latecomer to the Tall Ferns, having helped Stanford Cardinals to the NCAA championship final. Made NZ debut at Good Luck tournament in Beijing. Will be a key figure in the Games.
Aneka Kerr
Christchurch, 1/3/81, Forward
Captains the side. Experienced player who was at the Athens Olympics. Has enjoyed lengthy career in Australia. Now with Christchurch Sirens.
Angela Marino
Adelaide, 3/2/86, Guard
Pint-sized player who caught the eye at the Athens Olympics. Has played several seasons in the Australian league. Born in Waiuku but moved to Australia as an infant.
Jessica McCormack
Hamilton, 8/9/89, Centre
Great hope for the future, McCormack made her debut three years ago and has become a key figure in the squad. At 1.94m tall, she is on a scholarship with the University of Washington. The only genuine centre in the squad.
Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe
Christchurch, 19/11/79, Guard
Played for New Zealand in 1998 as a teenager. Has played for University of Buffalo and in Germany and Australia. Her mother is a former NZ captain. Missed the cut for last two Olympics. Captained Christchurch Sirens in first season.
Charmian Purcell
Auckland, 7/1/79, Guard
The oldest member of the squad, she made Tall Ferns debut seven years ago. Has played in the Australian league and now one of the foundation signings with the Christchurch Sirens. Won silver at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. Joined by her sister in the Beijing squad.
Natalie Purcell
Auckland, 24/12/82, Forward
Joined older sister in the Tall Ferns last year after playing through the age groups. Played for Southeast Missouri State University and joined Christchurch Sirens.
Lisa Wallbutton
Auckland, 14/1/86, Forward
Product of New Zealand's high-performance programme, she has played for New Zealand at all age-group levels and was leading rebounder and blocker in the national league last season.
Noni Wharemate
Hamilton, 17/1/82, Guard
Played for University of Texas El Paso. Made debut in 2005 and won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2006. Captained New Zealand last year. Now with Christchurch Sirens.
CANOEING
Ben Fouhy
Auckland, 4/3/79, K1 1000m
Made a relatively late start to the sport from a multisport background and stunned everybody by winning the world title a year later in 2003. He won silver at the Athens Games. Moderate campaign last year and had flu-ridden start to this European season.
Steven Ferguson
North Shore, 8/5/80, K2 1000m, K1 500m
Seeking to emulate his famous father Ian's double single seat gold from 1984-88, Ferguson is going to his third Olympics. He competed at Sydney eight years ago as a swimmer, and got 8th in the K2 1000m final in Athens with Fouhy.
Mike Walker
North Shore, 4/4/77, K2 1000m
Ranked seventh with Ferguson and produced some decent World Cup results in Europe in June, finishing strongly in final regatta in Poland at the end of June. His first Olympics.
Erin Taylor
North Shore, 8/6/87, K1 500m
Shot to prominence with a strong series of results in the last year, after initially having her sights on London 2012. Got impressive third in World Cup regatta in Poland. Fast riser in rankings. Bubbly but determined type who could well surprise.
Luuka Jones
Tauranga, 18/10/88, Canoe slalom
New Zealand's first female Olympic slalom competitor, Nottingham-based Jones was a late selection, which she secured with a top-16 performance at a World Cup event in Slovenia in July.
CYCLING
Sarah Walker
Whakatane, 10/7/88, BMX individual
World No 1-ranked rider as the sport makes its Olympic debut. Runner-up at the 2007 world championships in Canada and won the Cruiser class world title. Has dominated the Supercross world series. A star in the making.
Marc Willers
Cambridge, 11/9/85, BMX individual
Consistently among the best in the world during the past few years, Willers is ranked No 5 going into the Olympics. Sixth at the 2005 world championships. Will be desperate to avoid a repeat of 2007 world championships when he crashed out in the elimination race.
Rosara Joseph
Christchurch, 21/2/82, Cross-country
A silver medallist at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, Joseph has had to come back from injury. Finished a more than credible fifth at the world champs in Scotland last year. A Rhodes scholar studying at Oxford.
Kashi Leuchs
Dunedin, 30/6/78, Cross-country
Mr Consistency in international events, he has two top-10 finishes at world champs under his belt. Raced in the inaugural mountain bike event in Sydney where he finished 17th, then was 28th in Athens. Has been battling an infection which didn't help at recent world champs.
Glen Chadwick
Opunake, 17/10/76, Road race
Rides for Team Type 1 (sponsored by a diabetes organisation) in the US where he has earned a reputation as a tough climber on the slopes of North America and Canada. Has raced in Asia, including a stint with the Giant Asia Racing team when he won the Tour of Beijing.
Julian Dean
Waihi, 28/1/75, Road race
Lines up for his fourth Olympics looking to emulate or better his gritty ride for 15th in Athens. A key member of the Credit Agricole team for several years, he has switched to Slipstream Chiotle where he is one of the main sprinters. Rode the Tour de France again this year, finishing ninth in the green jersey standings.
Timothy Gudsell
Feilding, 17/2/84, Road race
A convert from the track, Gudsell has become a member of the pro team Francaise des Jeux. Lined up in the Giro de Italia last year but crashed out. A member of the pursuit team which won gold at the World Cup in Manchester 2005.
Joanne Kiesanowski
Christchurch, 24/5/79, Road race
Ranked inside the world's top 30. Looking to improve on her excellent 17th in Athens, though she will have to do it tough, riding without teammates. Has won stages in several top races, including at the Mt Hood Classic. Finished sixth on the road in Melbourne.
Samuel Bewley
Rotorua, 22/7/87, Team pursuit
A silver medallist in the individual pursuit at the 2005 world junior championships, he then rode for gold in the pursuit team at the same event. Part of the team which finished fourth at the world championships and is ranked third in the UCI World Cup for 2007-2008.
Catherine Cheatley
Wanganui, 6/4/83, Points race, road race
A bronze medallist at the 2007 world track championships in the points race. Has come back from surgery on her leg this year. Made her professional debut last year. Rides for Cheerwine Cycling Team based in San Francisco.
Westley Gough
Waipukurau, 4/5/88, Team pursuit
Won gold with the pursuit team at the 2005 world junior championships and silver in the individual pursuit at the 2006 world juniors. Stepped up to be part of the senior team which finished fourth at this year's world championships.
Greg Henderson
Dunedin, 10/9/76, Madison and points race
A veteran of the team, heading to his fourth Olympics. Has won a world championship (in the scratch race in 2004), Commonwealth Champion (2002 points race), eight world cup events, and 17 New Zealand track and road titles. Fourth in the points race in Athens.
Peter Latham
Te Awamutu, 8/1/84, Team pursuit
Competed in the team pursuit in Athens, where the team finished 10th. Won the road race and time trial double at the national championships in 2004. Injured throughout last year but has been back training and racing with the team this year.
Hayden Roulston
Ashburton, 10/1/81, Individual pursuit, madison, team pursuit
One of the most exciting riders to come out of New Zealand for a long time, but someone who has had to battle injury and illness. Now says he's back on track and proved himself with a fourth and a national record in the individual pursuit at the world championships this year. One to watch.
Marc Ryan
Timaru, 14/10/82, Team pursuit
Beijing will be his second Olympics. Was part of the pursuit team which finished 10th in Athens, and fourth at the world championships this year. Son of the legendary track star Colin Ryan.
Jesse Sergent
Feilding, 8/7/88, Team pursuit
Member of the 2005 gold medal winning junior team, and bronze medallist in the individual pursuit at the 2006 juniors. Part of the squad which finished fourth in world champs this year.
Alison Shanks
Dunedin, 13/12/82, Individual pursuit
A former Otago basketball and netball representative, she switched to cycling in 2005, and claimed fourth in the individual pursuit at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Finished seventh at the world championships this year. Has reduced her personal best by 5sec this year.
EQUESTRIAN
Bruce Goodin
Huntly, 10/11/69, Showjumping
Off to his fourth Games as a competitor - to go with two more as an official - Goodin's best result was 12th in Athens. Highly experienced. Has been based in Sweden for many years.
Daniel Meech
Hastings, 19/11/73, Showjumping
Going to his third Games after finishing 12th in Athens. The Belgian-based Meech has been on every NZ shortlist for world champs or Olympics since 1996. Won Kuala Lumpur grand prix in 2004, attended by the world's top 30 riders.
Kate McVean
Hamilton, 29/5/86, Showjumping
Youngest showjumper to represent New Zealand, she won the world junior championship in Abu Dhabi in 2002. A serial representative in NZ junior teams, she has racked up 48 titles in three years.
Joe Meyer
England, 27/10/70, Eventing
A first-time Olympian, Meyer debuted at the world games two years ago on his Games mount Snip. Placed 22nd at Burghley and 20th at Badminton this year.
Andrew Nicholson
England, 1/8/61, Eventing
Contesting his sixth Olympics, a joint record with Mark Todd. Won team silver in 1992 and bronze four years later. Twice team gold medal winner at the world games in 1990 and 1998.
Caroline Powell
Scotland, 14/3/73, Eventing
Finished fourth at Badminton trials this year, just one rail behind the winner. Made New Zealand debut at the world games two years ago and has been steady performer in the last couple of years.
Mark Todd
England, 1/3/56, Eventing
Made a dramatic return to the arena this year after seven years in retirement. Double Olympic individual champion, and has won Badminton three times and Burghley five. Named International Federation rider of the last century.
Heelan Tompkins
New Plymouth, 10/4/78, Eventing
Best individual Kiwi finisher at the Athens Games, finishing seventh, and repeated that with another seventh at the world games two years ago. Gutsy, determined competitor.
Sharn Wordley
Florida, 8/6/74, Showjumping
Born in Melbourne, Wordley has been on the US circuit for the last few years and produced several good performances. Going to his first Olympics.
HOCKEY - MEN
Ryan Archibald
Auckland, 1/9/80, Midfielder
Among the world's elite midfielders, Archibald has played over 200 internationals. Missed Athens Games through injury. Plays for Rotterdam and in the Euro League
Gareth Brooks
Christchurch, 28/2/79, Striker
Made his debut in 2002 and played in Athens Games. Hard-working attacker who also played in the last two Commonwealth Games.
Phil Burrows
North Shore, 25/4/80, Striker
Teammate of Archibald's at Rotterdam, Burrows is a fast, experienced attacker with an outstanding reverse stick shot. Won silver at Manchester Commonwealth Games.
Simon Child
Auckland, 16/4/88, Striker
First appeared for Black Sticks in 2005 aged 16. Gifted striker who has racked up over 70 international caps.
Ben Collier
Auckland, 19/6/84, Midfielder
Wanganui-born player who debuted for theBlack Sticks in 2005. Regarded as a solid, creative player. He is a big Led Zeppelinfan.
Dean Couzins
Auckland, 9/6/81, Defender
Experienced and well-organised defender closing in on 150 caps. Possesses good vision. Won silver at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002.
Steve Edward
Auckland, 25/1/86, Midfielder
Player for the future with strong skills in the middle of the park.
Casey Henwood
Auckland, 16/12/80, Midfielder
Whangarei-born centre half who made his debut in 2003. Lost his place for the Athens Games but now gets a chance to make up for it. Good ball control and awareness.
Blair Hopping
Kumeu, 12/8/80, Defender
Seasoned campaigner who made his debut in 2000 and is a highly regarded organiser in the heart of the defence. Silver medallist in Manchester six years ago. Second Olympics.
David Kosoof
North Shore, 26/7/78, Striker
Kosoof brings flair and speed to the attacking line. Has played over 120 internationals and this is his second Olympics, after getting late call-up for the injured Archibald in Athens.
Shea McAleese
Auckland, 7/8/84, Midfielder
Missed Olympic qualifying tournament with a dislocated shoulder. A goalscoring midfielder with over 50 caps.
James Nation
Auckland, 23/9/76, Defender
Made his debut in 2001 and off to his second Olympics. Reliable defender with over 80 caps. Can play in a range of positions in the backline, making him a valuable member of the squad.
Kyle Pontifex
Wellington, 5/2/80, Goalkeeper
Respected last line nicknamed "Bear". In his seventh year as a Black Stick, he is noted for his speed between the posts. His second Olympics.
Bradley Shaw
Christchurch, 13/2/83, Defender
The Christchurch schoolteacher got the winning goal to beat Argentina in the qualifying tournament to confirm the Black Sticks in the Olympics. Determined left-sided player who made his debut in 2004.
Hayden Shaw
Christchurch, 31/8/80, Defender
Scorer of over 100 international goals, Shaw is among the world's finest drag-flick specialists. Watch for him at the penalty corners. Powerful defender going to his second Olympics.
Paul Woolford
Auckland, 1/6/77, Goalkeeper
Veteran with over 120 caps, he is off to his second Olympics and won silver in the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002.
HOCKEY - WOMEN
Stacey Carr
Christchurch, 6/4/84, Midfielder
Tenacious midfielder who played in the Athens Games. Has won over 80 caps since making her debut in 2003.
Jaimee Claxton
Ruakaka, 3/2/78, Striker
Made her debut in 2001 and now off to her second Olympics, Claxton can be a deceptive attacker, combining skills and speed.
Tara Drysdale
Palmerston North, 30/1/79, Midfielder
Known for her good ball control and stickwork, Drysdale has played over 110 internationals. This will be her second Olympics.
Gemma Flynn
Tauranga, 2/5/90, Striker
The bolter in the squad, she made her Black Sticks debut this year against Korea. Tauranga teenager who is skilful and quick.
Krystal Forgesson
Auckland, 7/9/82, Striker
Fast and dynamic in the attacking third, she has played over 60 internationals. Played in Melbourne at the Commonwealth Games and possesses strong range of striking skills.
Joanne Galletly
Christchurch, 18/7/79, Midfielder
Experienced and versatile player with a good range of skills. Has won over 60 caps.
Sheree Horvath
Wellington, 7/4/80, Defender
Made her debut in 2003. Solid defender with a strong tackle.
Lizzy Igasan
North Shore, 16/9/82, Defender
Team captain and a world-class defender, nominated for world player of the year in 2005. An uncompromising attitude. Has passed the 115-cap mark. Influential in Black Sticks plans.
Beth Jurgeleit
Auckland, 24/7/80, Goalkeeper
Auckland lawyer attending her second Olympics.
Emily Naylor
Palmerston North, 23/12/85, Midfielder
Classy player who competed at the Athens Olympics as an 18-year-old. Nominated for world junior player of the year in 2006. Quick and slick with over 100 caps already.
Kim Noakes
Auckland, 3/10/82, Midfielder
Good stick skills and distribution, Noakes made debut last year. Can fill a variety of roles.
Caryn Paewai
Napier, 27/8/75, Striker
Long-serving player who started her international career as a midfielder in 1999 but has switched further upfield. Her second Olympics, she has played over 130 internationals.
Niniwa Roberts
Wellington, 1/6/76, Striker
Seven-year veteran in the squad, Roberts will be prominent at the penalty corner set ups with her powerful ball striking. She's played over 130 internationals. Second Olympics.
Kate Saunders
Christchurch, 6/5/82, Defender
Strong defender with a high work rate, Saunders is also a powerful hitter.
Kayla Sharland
Palmerston North, 30/10/85, Midfielder
Was still at high school when she made her debut in 2003. Outstanding player with vision, tight stick skills and a powerful shot. A key figure in the campaign. Her second Olympics.
Anita Wawatai
Hawkes Bay, 7/12/80, Goalkeeper
Defensively sound keeper who made her debut in 2003. Played in the Commonwealth Games two years ago and is now at her second Olympics. Agile, alert defender with over 65 caps.
ROWING
Hamish Bond
Dunedin, 13/2/86, Coxless four
The youngest member of the world championship-winning four of last year, who won seven of eight major races. Bond is contesting his first Olympics and will be in the stroke seat.
George Bridgewater
Wellington, 18/1/83, Coxless pair
Won the world title in 2005 with Nathan Twaddle, one year after placing fourth in Athens. Won silver in the two subsequent world champs. A powerful oarsman and strong medal chance.
Nathan Cohen
Christchurch, 2/1/86, Double scull
Won silver in the world under-23 single before graduating to the elite squad. Teamed with Matthew Trott to qualify the boat last year for Beijing, now paired with Rob Waddell. They won two World Cup regattas in Europe this year to confirm early favouritism for Olympic gold.
Nicky Coles
Auckland, 7/1/72, Coxless pair
The oldest member of the rowing squad, Coles finished sixth at Athens, then won gold in the worlds the following year. World Cup medallists this year.
James Dallinger
Cambridge, 30/9/85, Coxless four
Member of the world championship-winning four last year and an under-23 world champion in 2006. Competing at his first Olympics.
Mahe Drysdale
Auckland, 19/11/78, Single scull
Has won the last three world titles after shifting out of the coxless four from Athens. Was Halberg supreme award winner in 2006. Will start favourite for gold in Beijing.
Caroline Evers-Swindell
Cambridge, 10/10/78, Double scull
Defending the Olympic title she won with her twin in Athens. Multi-award winners, including three-time world champions, they will need to overcome an unsettled European campaign this season, in which they were well off the pace.
Georgina Evers-Swindell
Cambridge, 10/10/78, Double scull
Part of New Zealand's most-celebrated twin sporting act. A cold set back their preparations in Europe but the pair are renowned for their toughness and ability to rise to a challenge.
Juliette Haigh
Cambridge, 4/8/82, Coxless pair
Finished sixth in the final in Athens with Coles, then won the world title the following year. Will rate a medal chance.
Carl Meyer
Cambridge, 3/9/81, Coxless four
Ever-present since the fifth placing in Athens, Meyer is the unofficial leader of the quartet who won world gold last year. Have been battling in Europe this season to regain their touch, but expected to challenge for a medal in Beijing.
Eric Murray
Cambridge, 6/5/82, Coxless four
Longstanding member of the quartet and a colourful character who, with his mates, sang the national anthem on the dais after winning world gold last year after the sound system broke.
Peter Taylor
3/1/84, Lightweight Double scull
The late qualifiers for Beijing, Taylor and Storm Uru got their spots by winning the final regatta in Poland in June. His first Olympics.
Nathan Twaddle
21/8/76, Coxless pair
Senior member of the elite squad, Twaddle and Bridgewater finished fourth in Athens, then won gold the following year at the worlds. A World Cup gold in Poland in June showed they are right on track for a strong performance.
Emma Twigg
1/3/87, Single scull
Qualified by reaching the world champs final in Munich last year. Promising sculler who is a former world junior champion and current world under-23 titleholder. In winning bronze at World Cup regatta in Poland in June showed she should be in the mix in Beijing.
Storm Uru
14/2/85, Lightweight double scull
Qualified with Taylor in June and, after a slow start, had a strong European campaign. A double world under-23 lightweight single scull champion. This is his first Olympics.
Rob Waddell
7/1/75, Double scull
One of rowing's great achievers, he won two world titles before taking gold in Sydney in 2000. Then took seven years off to join Team New Zealand. Has formed a powerful combination with Cohen. Good gold medal chance.
SAILING
Jo Aleh
Auckland, 15/5/86, Laser Radial
Having seen the view from the dais in China when she won a silver at a pre-Olympic regatta last year, Aleh goes into the Olympics full of confidence. It was one of four major medals she won last year, including a win at Kiel Week, silver at Semaine Olympique Francaise, and a bronze at Princess Sofia in Spain.
Tom Ashley
Auckland, 11/2/84, RS:X windsurfer
A multi-linguist sailor who learned sailing from former Olympic champion Bruce Kendall. Ashley is the current RS:X world champion, having won in Takapuna in January, a follow-up to his win at the Olympic test event last year.
Peter Burling
Tauranga, 1/1/91, 470
Will be the youngest sailor to represent New Zealand at the Games. Pairing up with Carl Evans (also 17, but a few months older) in the 470, a class they have enjoyed international success in despite only stepping up to it in the past year.
Carl Evans
Auckland, 16/8/90, 470
After teaming up with Peter Burling, they narrowly missed the top 10 at the world championships in Melbourne. Have enjoyed other top places, including 6th at the European championships and ninth at the Pre-Olympic regatta on the Olympic course at Qingdao.
Barbara Kendall
Auckland, 30/8/67, RS:X windsurfer
The queen of New Zealand sailing, Kendall already has an Olympic medal of every hue thanks to gold, silver and bronze performances at Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney. Won silver in the world champs off Takapuna this year to prove she won't easily relinquish a spot on the dais.
Andrew Murdoch
Kerikeri, 16/7/82, Laser
Picked up a win at the pre-Olympic regatta in Qingdao to top off a series of excellent performances over recent years. Learned his craft in the nursery of team racing, twice winning world championships. Has paused his engineering studies for his first Olympics.
Hamish Pepper
North Harbour, 13/5/71, Star
Has been there and done that in the world of sailing, with dinghy, America's Cup and Olympic experience already under his belt. With Carl Williams he took up Star class two years ago and has rocketed through the ranks. They finished second in the Olympic test event.
Daniel Slater
Auckland, 9/4/76, Finn
Back for his second Olympics after competing at the Sydney Games in the 49er class. Had his best ever Finn world championship result this year with a silver at the Finn Gold Cup in Melbourne.
Carl Williams
Auckland, 9/6/81, Star
Along with Pepper, is the other half of the Star class team. The son of sailing personality Penny Whiting, Williams grew up sailing, then graduated to the America's Cup, sailing for Team NZ and Oracle. Won the world championship in their rookie year, 2006.
SHOOTING
Graeme Ede
Southbridge, 7/2/60, Men's trap
Won gold in a dramatic shoot-off at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. These will be his first Olympics.
Nadine Stanton
Waikato, 11/9/75, Women's trap
Won gold and silver at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002 and made the final shoot-off, finishing sixth, at the Athens Olympics. That was in the double trap, which has now gone from the programme, and Stanton has made good progress in the single trap discipline.
Yang Wang
Auckland, 25/3/76, Air pistol
Eighth in the individual and seventh in the pair with Greg Yelavich at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. Chinese-born sushi maker who is a former member of that country's national shooting academy. Former Chinese junior national champion at which time he also equalled the world junior air pistol record.
Robbie Eastham
Balclutha, 1/2/89, Men's 50m prone
New to international competition, having made his debut last year. However Eastham has put up a consistently solid line of scores in the 590s.
SOCCER - MEN
Michael Boxall
Santa Barbara Uni, 18/8/88, Defender
Regarded as a promising central defender, with good ball skills.
Jeremy Brockie
Miramar, 7/10/87, Midfielder
Best remembered as the dreadlocked striker with the Knights and more recently Sydney FC in the A-League. Won his first All Whites call up in 2006, versatile footballer either up front or in the midfield.
Greg Draper
Wellington Phoenix, 13/08/89, Striker
A late call-up for injured defender Jack Pelter. Tall and strong attacker with experience in the national under-20 side.
Daniel Ellensohn
Western Suburbs, 9/8/85, Striker
Born in Cape Town, he broke into the All Whites for an important World Cup qualifier against Vanuatu. Promising attacker.
Simon Elliott
Unattached, 10/6/74, Midfielder
One of New Zealand's three over-age players, Elliott was playing professionally for Fulham in the English Premier League but is now between clubs. Experienced operator with over 50 caps.
Craig Henderson
Dartmouth College, US, 24/6/87, Midfielder
Versatile Lower Hutt-born player now combining football with study in the US. A livewire playmaker and tidy allround attacker.
Ian Hogg
Western Suburbs, 15/12/89, Defender
Combative defender at home on the left flank. Has produced consistent form for Hawkes Bay and the national under-20 team.
Sam Jenkins
Western Suburbs, 17/2/87, Defender
Pacy and versatile, Jenkins is a top-class crosser of the ball and might well be used in wide positions to provide service to the front men.
Chris Killen
Celtic, 8/10/81, Striker
Made his mark at Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League and was snapped up by Celtic last year. Had limited opportunities but played a part in their winning the title. Will be a key attacker.
Liam Little
Caversham, 27/7/86, Goalkeeper
Got plenty of work as Otago's last line in the national championship. He caught important eyes and was in the squad for the qualification tournament in Fiji.
Sam Messam
Napier City Rovers, 2/3/86, Striker
Got all the attributes a striker needs; strength, speed and size. Young player with promise.
Ryan Nelsen
Blackburn Rovers, 18/10/77, Defender
Captains the English Premier League outfit. One of New Zealand's best football exports, highly rated in America's Major League before joining Blackburn. A rare chance to play for his country. Will only play the first two games.
Steven Old
Macarthur Rams, NSW, 17/2/86, Defender
Son of a former All Black, Old has made his mark from an early age, winning his first All Whites caps four years ago. Former Wellington Phoenix defender, he's now with New South Wales club Macarthur Rams.
Cole Peverley
Hawkes Bay United, 3/7/88, Midfielder
Tall midfielder who spent four years at the academy of German club Hansa Rostock. Made Junior
