Mixed doubles badminton combination Daniel Shirley and Sara Runesten Petersen's late run proved successful today when they were confirmed in the New Zealand team for the Athens Olympics.
Shirley and Runesten Petersen secured the necessary spot in the world's top 16 at the last tournament before the qualifying period ended on
April 30.
The pair, who began playing together at the 2001 world championships in Seville, won bronze at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
They booked their place in Athens in August despite disruptions that included tournament postponements caused by the Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome) virus, ankle surgery for Shirley in December, tough draws and a three-month period without a coach.
New Zealand Olympic Committee secretary-general Barry Maister said Shirley and Runesten Petersen also faced a strict NZOC qualification procedure.
"At times they were up against it," he said. "But their qualification for the Games shows how talented, determined and committed they are."
Shirley, Runesten Petersen and coach Li Feng will train in New Zealand until the end of next month.
They will play in the Jakarta and Malaysian Open tournaments before heading to England to prepare for the Olympics with the England squad.
- NZPA
