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Canoeist Teneale Hatton in action - Source: Photosport
Sprint canoeist Teneale Hatton has been added to the New Zealand Olympic team and will compete in the women's K1 500m.
Hatton was named to the team today after convincing selectors she met the tough NZOC selection criteria with positive performances on the European World Cup circuit.
New Zealand Olympic Committee secretary general Kereyn Smith said Hatton had clearly met the top-16 criteria.
"We looked at Teneale's rankings after this year's World Cup events in Poland and Germany," she said. "While she finished 19th at last year's world championships, she has demonstrated significant recent improvement and performed strongly at the World Cups in Europe.
"She has beaten five of the top 16 athletes at least once this season and is now ranked 12th on the Olympic tables. She's a talented athlete, showing fast improvement and tracking for big future in the sport."
Hatton missed being named in the initial canoe slalom selection announcement in May, but the extra time on the water has paid off.
Canoe Racing CEO Paula Kearns said was delighted with Teneale's selection to the Olympic team.
"Teneale's recent performance improvement was witnessed in her World Cup results. She raced hard and has proved to the selectors that she deserves the chance to contest the women's K1 500m at the Games.
"Teneale is a young paddler with incredible potential and a very bright kayaking future in front of her."