“I’m thrilled. I’ve been working for many years towards this goal and it means the world to me.”
Velloza-Reedy said while Manuel was now living in Australia, she began her judo career with Gisborne Judo Club and still fought under the club’s banner.
“It’s absolutely fantastic, not just for Darcina but for the club; for all those who can now aspire to going to future Olympics; for all those who have worked with her over the years; and for all those who supported her as she followed her dream.”
Men’s coach Jason King was emotional when he said the 23-year-old’s selection was the fulfilment of something he dreamed of back in 2004.
“I had just been appointed coach of a national men’s team and ever since then I always wanted someone from the club to compete at the Olympics, and now it’s happened.
“The dojo judo mat is Darcina’s second home and if anyone ever deserved to make it to the Olympics, it’s her.”
Manuel, the daughter of Rose Rangihuna and Darcy Manuel, left Gisborne for Australia with her parents in 2005.
“But she has never forgotten where she came from and is still a Gizzy girl,” said Velloza-Reedy. “Her photos are on the club wall and this will be such an inspiration to all our junior members.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Darcina. She’s a great role model — humble but extremely dedicated, and grateful to all those who have supported her.
“She’s an individual fighting in an individual sport but she wouldn’t have been able to make it to the top without the fantastic support she has, especially from her family. It’s the team behind the individual.
“Judo is not one of the high-profile sports in new Zealand. Anyone wanting to make it to the top — the Olympics, Commonwealth Games — has to be prepared to make sacrifices, including putting a lot of time, energy and money into achieving their dream.”
King said he always knew Manuel would have to leave Gisborne to pursue her Olympic goal.
“We tell our athletes that we can only take them so far but if they want to compete at the highest level they have to leave, travel overseas where all the major competitions are. But it doesn’t stop us from being tremendously proud of Darcina.
“I remember her early days when she was a little yellow belt kneeling in front of the instructors. You could see the potential she had then
“Now I can tell this new generation that if they work as hard as Darcina, they can make it.”
Velloza-Reedy, who has been involved with Manuel for seven years, said it had not been all plain sailing for her.
“There’s been ups and downs along the way, and that’s when the real strength of an elite athlete comes into play. You have to have the right balance around you, the right team.
“No day is perfect but it’s what you do and how you think on those days that can make a difference.
“There have been days when she has cried on my shoulders, sometimes even thought about packing it in after a bad result or an injury. I just told her to ‘toughen up princess’ and keep working hard.
“When I heard she had made it I was relieved for her that she had achieved her dream.”
Manuel is one of three Gisborne judoka to have competed at the Commonwealth Games. The other two were Tracy Down (Auckland, 1990 ) and Mellissa Jones (Manchester 2000).
Manuel and Velloza-Reedy will travel to Europe next month in preparation for Rio.
“We’ll spend a week training in Castelldefels, Spain and then Darcina will compete at the European Judo Cup in Bratislava, Slovakia — her last tournament before she steps on to the mat in Rio on August 8.
King said Manuel would not be going simply to make up the numbers.
“Knowing Darcina, she will want to make New Zealand proud,” he said. “She’ll fight like a demon. She’s certainly not going there with the attitude that she has made it. She’ll want to get a medal.
“Has she got a chance? I think she has. She’s up there with the best in Europe. It’s all about what happens on the day.”
Velloza-Reedy said Manuel recently told her she was in good form.
“She threw her Japanese coach, which she was pretty excited about. She is training fulltime in preparation for Rio. She said she felt strong and confident.”
Manuel’s selection brings the total New Zealand team number to 104, with weightlifting, rugby sevens and women’s hockey selection announcements expected in the coming weeks.
The judo competition at Rio will be held from Saturday, August 6, to Friday, August 12, at the Carioca Arena 2 in the Barra Olympic Park.
Judo will be one of the most global sports at the Games. Over 200 countries are part of the International Judo Federation and around 120-130 countries compete at world championship level.
