NZ Curling

I hope that all of New Zealand's curling community were able to watch some of the excellent coverage we saw of the Vancouver Winter Olympics, learn by watching the world's best in action, and capture some of the emotion of the Games.

New Zealand Curling has to start planning now if we want to have two teams at the next Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014. And so do our next Olympic curling athletes.

To all of our Olympic aspirants – this will not be an easy task, either for you or for New Zealand Curling! I will certainly do all within my power to assist those who are totally committed, to achieve that goal! Total commitment is the key!

For all of you who are wishing, able and willing to strive for this goal it will mean four years of extreme commitment, four years of courage, four years of ups and downs. It will thrill and batter your senses! It will put stress on your friendships, stress on your relationships, stress on your job commitments, and stress on your bank balance!

Four year plans for both teams should be put in place as soon as possible. This will include coaching, tournaments, finance, travel, fitness, nutrition and all other components needed to compete at the highest level in our sport.

Is it all worth it?

Having been involved in 2006 and having watched the 2010 Olympics, I would say without a doubt, "Yes it is!" Ask any of the 2006 NZ Curling Olympians, and I am sure they will say the hard work and commitment was worth it in the end!

All those who supported them and pushed them hard for their places on the team were able to share in that achievement four years ago as well.

Peter Becker
Secretary, NZ Curling Association

Related articles

• The Olympic qualification process
• New Zealand's 2006 Olympic curling team
• The Road to Torino