New Zealand track cyclist Wes Gough has a medal to show for
his contribution to the New Zealand team's cause at the
Olympic Games in Beijing.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has struck an extra
bronze medal for Gough, who was presented with it at the New
Zealand team's farewell party held in Beijing.
"I'm absolutely stoked," the 20-year-old from Waipukurau in
Hawke's Bay said before joining fellow his Olympians for the
return flight to New Zealand, which is due to land in
Auckland this morning.
Gough produced strong performances in the qualifying rounds
of the teams pursuit, including helping the team go under
four minutes for the first time.
Individual pursuit silver medallist Hayden Roulston was then
called up for the successful bronze rideoff against
Australia.
"It was a total surprise," Gough said of his presentation.
In previous Olympics reserve cyclists had been awarded
medals, but that had not been in the case Beijing where other
sports adopted different rules.
Swimming allowed for medals to be awarded to relay team
members who helped teams qualify while athletics did not.
New Zealand management appealed to the IOC, with the outcome
giving Gough a lifelong reminder of his efforts in the
Chinese capital.
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