| New Zealand at the 2008 Summer Olympics | |
|---|---|
 | |
| IOC code | NZL |
| NOC | New Zealand Olympic Committee |
| Website | www |
| in Beijing | |
| Competitors | 182 in 17 sports |
| Flag bearers | Mahé Drysdale (opening) Georgina and Caroline Evers-Swindell (closing) |
| Medals Ranked 25th |
|
| Summer Olympics appearances (overview) | |
| Other related appearances | |
 Australasia (1908–1912) | |
New Zealand took part in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. The country sent 182 competitors, making this its largest ever delegation to the Olympic Games.[1] It was also one of the most successful, equalling New Zealand's combined medal tally from the previous two Summer games.[2] On 16 August – dubbed "Super Saturday" by journalists – New Zealand had its greatest single day at any Olympics, winning 5 medals: two gold, one silver and two bronze.[3] New Zealand also gained its first Olympic track medal since 1976 when Nick Willis won the silver medal in the men's 1500 metres, becoming the sixth New Zealander to win an Olympic medal in that event.[4] The success at the Olympics has boosted Athletics participation since then.[5]
- ^ "New Zealand to send 182 athletes to Beijing Olympics", Associated Press, 21 July 2008
- ^ Millmow, Jonathan; McDonald, Greer (21 August 2008). "It's one of our best Olympics ever". The Dominion Post. Retrieved 26 August 2008.
- ^ Tony Smith (18 August 2008). "Saturday was super, but we can double that". Fairfax Media. Retrieved 18 August 2008..
- ^ "Willis wins 1500m bronze". Bring on Beijing 2008. New Zealand Olympic Committee. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
- ^ Northern Advocate