The Hits: Joy of striking own Bermuda gold

Adam Green

"Once again, the America's Cup IS New Zealand's Cup."

The words New Zealand was waiting to hear left the lips of Peter Montgomery in emphatic fashion as Peter Burling and Emirates Team New Zealand made their way across the line for the final time.

It was a moment that made New Zealand as proud as we've ever been, the little country down the bottom of the globe again proving we have what it takes to take the world on and come out on top.

You have to wonder about the mums and dads of the team sitting at home, or maybe on the dock, elated at the sporting achievements off their offspring, from the boat designers and constructors to the crew that sailed across the line.

What have I done, I wondered, that would make my parents THAT proud.

And so, the discussion arose on The Hits as to what our sporting achievements were across Hawke's Bay. And, boy, do we have some doozies.

"I was the 1995 Happy Tav Woman's Tricycle Racing Champion. I don't think it's a world renowned sport or if anyone remembers but me . . . but I still bask in it," said one texter.

And so you should! Because how many '95 Happy Tav Tricycle Racing Champions are there? One. You. Living right here in Hawke's Bay!

"I once won a teapot in a badminton tournament, for taking out first place," crowed Sarah.

Does her Mum still have it in pride of place on the mantle? Pouring a hot cuppa to guests whilst explaining: "1999 was a FANTASTIC year in Sarah's sporting career, enjoy your tea, it's a quality teapot."

I, myself, managed seventh place in interschool cross-country, receiving a fabulous participation certificate and a thistle to the foot from running barefoot for speed.

But isn't that the thing with New Zealand?

Whilst we have a world-beating rugby team, sailors that can take on the world's richest on a shoestring budget, and our fair share of Olympians - we can still give each other a pat on the back and a "well done, mate" just for being there.

Parents beam with pride on the sidelines of sports fields across the country every week, just because the kids are out there and "giving it a go".

Sometimes we win, and sometimes we lose, and sometimes we go on to be Peter Burling and the team and beat the world.

Though I don't like my chances of taking out the world cross-country champs any time soon! For now, let's bask in the Team NZ win, and go the ABs!

* Don't miss Adam Green and Sarah Van Der Kley on The Hits Hawke's Bay from 6am to 9am Monday to Friday.