Introduced in 2010, the Youth Olympic Games have been a proving ground for some of New Zealand's finest young athletes, with the likes of Joseph Parker, Jacko Gill and Dylan Schmidt having won medals at the Games before building their professional careers. New Zealand won four medals in 2010 and five in 2014, and there are several interesting storylines to follow as the Kiwi athletes hit centre stage.
Gina Galloway (Swimming)
Galloway has a unique tie to the Olympics, being the granddaughter of New Zealand's oldest living Olympian. Ngaire Galloway, aged 92, was the only woman on the New Zealand team who attended the 1948 Olympics, and now Gina, 17, has a chance to continue the family's Olympic tradition. Gina, who won a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games, will compete in the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke, as well as the 100m butterfly in Buenos Aires.
Kanah Andrews-Nahu (Weightlifting)
Andrews-Nahu is one of New Zealand's most promising young athletes, having broken a ludicrous 123 New Zealand records, and now she's taking on the world. The 17-year-old projects as a decent medal chance in Buenos Aires, having won gold in three different divisions at the Oceania Weightlifting Championships in June. Coached by Commonwealth Games gold medal winning lifter Richie Patterson, Andrews-Nahu's big goal is qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics - but she could make an early splash in Argentina.
