New Zealand to send a strong triathlon squad to London

Wellington, April 18 (Xinhua-ANI): The New Zealand Olympic Committee marked the 100 day milestone to the Olympic Games with the naming of four triathletes to the New Zealand Olympic Team on Wednesday.

The women's triathlon team was spearheaded by Andrea Hewitt, who finished third in ITU World Cup in Sydney last weekend. And she will also be joined by number two ranked New Zealander Kate McIlroy in London.

The men's team includes Beijing Olympian Kris Gemmel and seasoned double Olympic medallist Bevan Docherty who won a silver in Athens in 2004 and a bronze in Beijing in 2008.

The New Zealand Olympic Committee also accepted nominations for Nicky Samuels and Ryan Sissons pending confirmation of spots by the ITU in May.

New Zealand has a strong history in triathlon competitions after the sport was first introduced to Olympic Games in 2000. Hamish Carter came home with a triathlon gold for the Kiwis in 2004 Athens Games, while Docherty settled with a silver and went on to notch a bronze in Beijing four years later.

The London Olympic Games open on July 27 2012 and end on August 12. New Zealand is expected to send a team of around 200 athletes competing in 17 sports. (Xinhua-ANI)