First New Zealanders in the Olympics with Australasian team.

In 1908, New Zealand athletes made their Olympic debut as part of the Australasian team, a combined squad consisting of athletes from both Australia and New Zealand. This was during the 1908 Summer Olympics in London, a significant event that marked the first time New Zealanders competed on the world’s greatest sporting stage. At the time, New Zealand did not have its own National Olympic Committee, so its athletes joined forces with Australia under the Australasian banner. This arrangement lasted for two Olympic Games—1908 in London and 1912 in Stockholm—before New Zealand began competing independently in 1920. One of the most notable New Zealand athletes in 1908 was Harry Kerr, a racewalker from Taranaki. He won a bronze medal in the 3,500m walk, making him the first New Zealander to win an Olympic medal. His achievement paved the way for future Kiwi Olympians and remains a proud moment in New Zealand’s sporting history. The participation of New Zealanders in the 1908 Olympics was an important step in the nation’s sporting evolution. It set the stage for New Zealand’s independent Olympic journey, which officially began at the 1920 Antwerp Olympics. Key Takeaways: 1908 London Olympics: First participation of New Zealand athletes. Competed under "Australasia": A joint team with Australia. Harry Kerr: Won bronze in the 3,500m walk, New Zealand’s first Olympic medalist. New Zealand's independent Olympic debut: Happened in 1920. This moment was the start of New Zealand’s proud Olympic legacy, leading to many more medals and achievements on the world stage. #OlympicHistory #NewZealandOlympics #MomentsOfLife #MoofLife_Moment #MoofLife