8 Aug 2022

Commonwealth Games: Fourth gold for Aaron Gate

From Morning Report, 6:08 am on 8 August 2022

Cyclist Aaron Gate has surged into New Zealand Commonwealth Games history - winning the men's road race to claim record a fourth gold medal at the Games in Birmingham.

After collecting three golds on the track last week, Gates produced one of this country's great sporting moments when crossing the line after 160-kilometres of intense racing.

He becomes the first New Zealander to win four golds at one Games.

Despite his leg muscles constantly cramping over the final stages, he found the energy to see off South Africa's Daryl Impey and Scotland's Finn Crockett.

It was New Zealand's 18th gold in Birmingham, which is our best-ever Commonwealth Games return, surpassing the 17 won when we last played host - in Auckland in 1990.

On the track, Gate won the points race, individual pursuit and was part of the victorious men's team pursuit.

The 31-year-old Aucklander said self-preservation became a focus over the closing stages. New Zealand have won two other medals overnight - both via our women's sports teams.

The Silver Ferns claimed netball bronze with a meritorious 55-48 win over England, a team who had beaten them handsomely earlier in the Games.

After a heavy loss to Jamaica in the semi-finals, New Zealand coach Dame Noeline Taurua explains what third place means for her.

The White Ferns also ended a mixed cricket campaign on a high, clinching third place after chasing down England's target of 110 with 8 overs to spare.

Captain Sophie Devine, who anchored New Zealand's innings with an unbeaten 51, says the future is looking bright for women's cricket.

New Zealand could win another gold on Monday, when Paul Coll and Joelle King contest the mixed doubles final. Reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Corin Dann.