Kiwis poised for glory

On the seventh day, the medal drought could finally be over.

Just after 3pm on Friday, New Zealand's sole remaining equestrian rider, Mark Todd, has a good chance of ending New Zealand's long wait to see one of its own standing on the Olympic podium.

And after a day of encouraging progress for the Kiwi team, he could be followed by a strong group of yachties and rowers who have moved into medal contention - a group joined last night by the women's hockey team.

After yesterday's gruelling cross-country, Todd is in the bronze medal position. And he has the chance of stealing a third individual gold in this afternoon's show-jumping round with Eyespy II.

Yesterday was also a winning day on the water for New Zealand, the rowers and sailors notching up five race victories between them.

Rob Waddell, world champion for the past two years and beaten only once in that time, again proved his favouritism for the Olympic single sculls title, recording the fastest semifinal time.

Waddell is being closely followed by his wife, Sonia, in the women's single sculls, and the coxless four of Rob Hellstrom, Toni Dunlop, Scott Brownlee and Dave Schaper.

Sonia Waddell finished third in her semifinal yesterday in a faster time than the winning time in the other semi.

The four qualified by finishing third in their semifinal, behind the top-ranked Australian and Italian crews.

On Sydney Harbour, New Zealand yachties are in contention for medals in five classes.

Barbara Kendall was third and first in races seven and eight of the women's boardsailing, and retains her overall third place.

Only three points separate series leader Amelie Lux of Germany and Kendall.

Men's boardsailor Aaron McIntosh also had a win, continuing his recovery from his horror start when he was disqualified.

Multitalented multi-hull helmsman Chris Dickson, accompanied by Glen Sowry, won the second of two Tornado races today to be fifth overall after six races.

The New Zealand women's 470 crew of Melinda Henshaw and Jenny Egnot also won a race to climb to second in their fleet.

If Todd circles the arena in his usual faultless style today in the equestrian three-day event, the worst he will do is claim bronze. Those ahead of him must fail if he is to go higher.

Todd is 10 points behind American leader David O'Connor and 1.6 points behind Heidi Antikatzdis, the first Greek Olympic equestrian rider.

Dislodging a rail incurs five penalty points. So for New Zealand to get the gold, Antikatzdis must knock down one rail, O'Connor three - and Todd none.

Todd came into the competition as one of three Kiwi riders with a serious chance of individual gold.

But even before the competition began, Andrew Nicholson withdrew because of lameness to his horses. Then yesterday, defending champion Blyth Tait's disappointing cross-country round put him out of medal contention.

One person will be the first to congratulate Todd this afternoon no matter if he comes first or last.

Just as she stood by her man throughout accusations of cocaine use and adultery, Carolyn Todd has stuck close to her husband every day of the eventing competitions.

When Todd rides, she has been close by the sideline. After the dressage phase, she jumped and cheered when his brilliant score flashed up on screen, then ran around to congratulate him.

New Zealand chef de mission Les Mills has responded to criticism about the team's lack of medals, saying the country had to accept that if people gave their best, they should be applauded, whether they finished first or last.

"What this is about is people going out and doing their very, very best," he said.

"If that produces medals - good. If it doesn't - good."