Tauranga sailor selected for Rio

Tauranga's Sam Meech has been selected as part of New Zealand's Olympic sailing team. Photo/file

Tauranga sailor Sam Meech (25) will join sister Molly at the Rio Olympics as part of New Zealand's Olympic sailing team.

Meech and Wellington's Josh Junior were named today as the final members of the 12-strong team - Meech to compete in the Laser class and Junior in the Finn class.

It will be the first Olympics for both sailors.

Recent highlights this year for Meech, in his bid to secure the Laser selection, include a silver medal at Sailing World Cup Hyeres in April and a bronze medal at Sailing World Cup Miami in January.

It is not possible for New Zealand to send more than one boat to compete in each Olympic sailing event and selection for the spots to represent New Zealand in both single-handed men's events (Finn and Laser) have been incredibly closely contested with more than one sailor in both classes performing to a high level on the world stage.

Yachting New Zealand's High Performance Director Jez Fanstone says, "This second and final sailing selection announcement is an exciting milestone for us on the road to Rio.

"I am particularly proud of how all the NZL Sailing Team's Laser and Finn campaigners have worked together within their classes, pushing each other to reach this high standard."

Tauranga sailors Peter Burling and Jason Saunders are also members of the Olympic team for Rio 2016.