New Zealand's Temepara George
An emotional Temepara George enveloped Prince Edward as
he handed the Silver Ferns their netball gold medals yesterday.
Prince Edward had been safely working his way along the line
of overjoyed netballers, when midcourter George broke with
protocol.
"Come here" she said, leaning forward with her trademark
smile, and wrapping her arms around his neck.
"He said, 'you are very happy aren't you?'" Ferns vice
captain George told NZPA.
"I said oh yes I am!"
George had been on a high after the Silver Ferns survived two
periods of extra time, to beat Australia 66-64 and retain
their Games title.
Seconds after goal attack Maria Tutaia slotted the winning
goal, she and George were rolling around on the floor in
unmitigated delight.
George had not come down from those giddy heights, when
Prince Edward arrived with her gold medal.
"The emotions took over, and I just gave him a hug," she
said.
"Dad was from England and he passed away in 2002, so it was
emotions on all different levels."
Asked if her late father had been a royalist, she said he was
"royalty to me".
Prince Edward appeared unfazed by the unexpected display of
public affection, completing his medal handout without
further incident.
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