Southland's Saili books Olympic Games spot
Alena Saili's selection is N impressive effort considering the Southlander has missed a good chunk of the Black Ferns build up to Paris after suffering a knee injury.
Southland’s Alena Saili will get a shot at adding another Olympic gold medal to her collection when the 2024 Olympic Games rolls around in Paris in July.
Saili was part of the Black Ferns Sevens gold medal winning team in Tokyo sparking some special moments when she returned home to Southland with the prized gold medal.
Saili become the first Southland female to claim an Olympic Games gold medal and was named Southland Sportsperson of the Year in 2021 on the back of that.
On Thursday the former Southland Girls’ High School pupil was confirmed in the 12-strong Black Ferns team to head to Paris.
The selection is an impressive effort considering Saili has missed a good chunk of the build up to Paris after suffering a knee injury.
Her selection highlights the confidence coach Cory Sweeney has in Saili.
Saili’s Black Ferns selection boosts Southland’s athlete tally for the 2024 Olympic Games to five.
Javelin thrower Tori Peeters is part of the New Zealand athletics team to compete in Paris, while cyclists Corbin Strong, Tom Sexton, and Nicole Shields have also booked tickets to Paris.
THE TEAMS
Black Ferns Sevens: Michaela Blyde, Jazmin Felix-Hotham, Sarah Hirini, Tyla King, Jorja Miller, Manaia Nuku, Mahina Paul, Risaleeana Pouri-Lane, Alena Saili, Theresa Setefano, Stacey Waaka, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe.
Travelling reserves: Tyhsa Ikenasio, Tenika Willison, Kelsey Teneti.
All Black Sevens: Leroy Carter, Dylan Collier, Tepaea Cook-Savage, Scott Curry, Fehi Fineanganofo, Andrew Knewstubb, Moses Leo, Ngarohi McGarvey-Black, Tone Ng Shiu, Akuila Rokolisoa, Brady Rush, Regan Ware.
Travelling reserves: Tim Mikkelson, Sione Molia, Joe Webber.