In the run-up to the Rio Olympics and Paralympics, the New Zealand Herald profiled some of the New Zealand athletes in action in Brazil.
In exclusive behind-the-scenes access to some of the brightest talents in the country, the filming team were found out what inspires them and observed their training sessions up close.
MIKE produced, co-filmed and edited each short film.
Sailing for Gold won the 2017 Canon Media Awards Best Sport Video.
Sailing for Gold They're about the closest thing you get to a sure thing in sailing. Four-time world champion 49er pairing Peter Burling and Blair Tuke head to Rio as one of New Zealand’s top medal hopes.
Since returning from Rio, the pair went on to scale the heights of America's Cup racing bringing the Auld Mug back to Auckland as part of Team New Zealand.
Eliza McCartney looks all business. The 19-year-old, preparing for her first Olympic Games, admits she's more used to it now than when she first saw it.
Sarah Goss is the leader of a group of women who call each other sisters. The 23-year old will captain the New Zealand women’s sevens team of 12 in their historic first ever Olympic campaign. A year ago, they were red hot favourites for gold in Rio, but a difficult season has seen Australia not only catch but surpass the kiwis. However Goss and the team are acutely aware of the opportunity they have and what winning a gold medal could do for women’s rugby.
Rio will be Leslie's third Paralympics and third potential gold after winning the medley in Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Games.
