Massey at the Olympics – update 1

Massey University students have been prominent in the opening days of the London Olympics.

At the rowing, the men's pair of Hamish Bond and Eric Murray not only won their heat by nine seconds but also broke the world and Olympic record. Women's pair Rebecca Scown and partner Julliette Haigh finished second in their heat, earning a spot in the final. Lightweight double sculls Storm Uru and Peter Taylor advanced through to the semi finals after finishing second in their heat. Meanwhile, Women’s lightweight double sculls Julia Edward and Louise Ayling will contest the repechage after finishing third in their heat.

Cyclist Linda Villumsen finished 18th in the women's road race after being involved in a crash early on in the race. Luckily she wasn't severely hurt and will contest the time trial where she is a serious contender for a medal finish.

Mike Dawson has made it through to the semi finals in the men's K1 canoe slalom with the eighth fastest time.

The women's Black Sticks have started the Olympics with a convincing 1-0 win over Australia.

Last night in the swimming heats Glenn Snyders set a good pace winning his heat in the 100m breaststroke placing fifth overall. However, he was not fast enough in this morning’s semi-finals to advance to the final. Last night Matt Stanley raced the 400m freestyle, finishing fifth in his heat and 14th overall. The women's 4x100m freestyle relay of Amaka Gessler, Penny Marshall, Natasha Hind and Hayley Palmer finished 14th overall.

Tonight, the men's Black Sticks hockey team take on Korea, while at the rowing there are repechages for the women's quadruple sculls team of Fiona Bourke and Sarah Gray, the men's quadruple sculls team of Michael Arms and John Storey, the women's double sculls team of Fiona Paterson and Anna Reymer and the men's four including Sean O'Neill and Chris Harris.