New Zealand celebrated remarkable athletic achievements on Wednesday, securing two gold medals in two consecutive days at the World Championships in Tokyo.
Geordie Beamish made history by winning New Zealand’s first ever track gold in the 3,000m steeplechase on Monday, surprising everyone.
Following this, high jumper Hamish Kerr clinched gold on Tuesday, marking an extraordinary triumph for a nation traditionally renowned for rugby rather than track and field success.
Prior to this week, New Zealand had only six golds in the championships’ history.
By Wednesday morning, New Zealand proudly stood fourth on the overall medal table, securing a third of the gold medals won by the United States, despite having just 1.5 percent of its population.
Athletics New Zealand CEO Cam Mitchell described the outcomes as “incredible,” especially since Beamish had a dramatic fall during the heats before his recovery.
“Geordie’s journey was quite remarkable, falling, getting spiked, yet rising to win the final in such a spectacular fashion,” Mitchell stated. “To have Hamish complete the success was just amazing.”
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed on social media: “An outstanding effort; New Zealand is proud of you both!”
Nick Willis, former Olympic 1500m silver medallist from New Zealand, watched Beamish’s victory from Detroit airport due to a flight delay, drawing curious looks from fellow passengers.
“Watching it was thrilling. I was stuck on the tarmac, thinking I’d miss the last two laps, but the delay allowed me to see Geordie’s incredible finish,” he shared with The New Zealand Herald.
Shared Histories
Athletics in New Zealand receives a modest government fund of $3.7 million (USD$2.2m) annually, yet the sport has excelled over the past year.
Kerr also claimed gold at the Paris Olympics last summer, where shot putter Maddi Wesche earned silver.
“Our country has strong support, and people love underdog stories,” said Mitchell, who is in Tokyo.
In Tokyo, Kerr mentioned that Beamish’s victory the previous day motivated him further.
“His win last night definitely pushed me to succeed too!” Kerr humorously remarked.
The dynamic duo had previously won world indoor titles on the same day last year.
And they achieved the same feat a decade ago.
In Whanganui, north of New Zealand’s capital Wellington, Beamish and Kerr competed in a 2014 national high school event at Cooks Gardens.
Though smaller than the 37,000-seat Tokyo stadium, Cooks Gardens is a significant venue for Kiwi athletes.
On that occasion, sponsored by a local golf club, Kerr won high jump gold and Beamish—then known as George—won the Mars Petcare 3000m race.
“It’s truly special to share these moments,” Kerr shared.
Also competing that day was a young Eliza McCartney, who will participate in the pole vault in Tokyo.
