Alistair McMurran

Athletics New Zealand learned some hard lessons in Athens in 2004 and has taken steps to avoid the same mistakes at the Beijing Olympic Games.

The Otago Daily Times continues its countdown to the Beijing Olympics. Today, reporter Alistair McMurran profiles cyclist Alison Shanks.

The Olympic Games start in less than two weeks and starting today, the Otago Daily Times profiles Otago athletes and officials involved in the event. First up, rower Hamish Bond talks to Alistair McMurran.

Alhambra-Union captain Matt Clutterbuck had an outstanding game in the club final and may have answered the Otago selectors' prayers for a No 7.

The Alhambra-Union front row was nervous at first when faced by a formidable Dunedin combination that included experienced first-class players Jason Macdonald and Keith Cameron.

They have both tasted Dunedin premier club rugby success, guiding their teams to titles in 2005 (Dunedin) and 2006 (Alhambra-Union). But today, only one of them will re-live the experience. Alistair McMurran spoke to the captains who will lead their teams on to Carisbrook.

Dunedin's Shane Patience (Waves) emerged as a swimmer of talent when he gained two top eight placings at the world youth championships in Mexico this week.

Mike Moeahu did not win any banners as a player, but he is on the verge of winning his second title as coach of Alhambra-Union tomorrow.

Double world champion Gary Lawson (Canterbury) will return to the indoor game for the Professional Bowls Association singles tournament at the Westpac Bowls Stadium, Dunedin, at the weekend.

Former elite Otago athlete Michael Sharapoff has been appointed Athletics New Zealand's Coaching Development Manager, the top coaching job in the country.

Naseby is a small rural town in the Maniototo but it now has an international reputation for curling because its ice rink is one of the best in the world.

Rebecca Mitchell is one of the old hands of the Otago women's squad announced for the Air New Zealand Cup yesterday.

Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Sydney gave Tom Halse his chance and he took it with open arms in Dunedin club rugby on Saturday.

Shireen Crumpton (Hill City) has chosen to travel to Brazil to compete in the world half-marathon championship.

He declined to give a number but Sparc chief executive Peter Miskimmin believes several New Zealand athletes have the potential to win medals at the Beijing Olympics.

The road to future Olympics could be made easier if New Zealand is successful in establishing a high-performance base in Europe.

The phony war is over and the South African bleatings have stopped. Action will start at Carisbrook tonight.