NZ Olympians head prominent sports people

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(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-31 14:19

WELLINGTON -- New Zealand's Olympic champions Tom Ashley and Valerie Vili have capped a golden year, the two stars of New Zealand's games topping the list of sports people featuring in New Year's honors.

New Zealand's Valerie Vili competes in the game.

After both bringing home gold medals, board-sailor Ashley and shot-putter Vili are appointed Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Nine other sports people are made members of the New Zealand Order of Merit, the Dominion Post reported on Wednesday.

These include Mahe Drysdale, who raced in the single sculls final despite a debilitating stomach bug; and two of his colleagues, George Bridgewater and Nathan Twaddle.

Others honored include Indy 500 winner Scott Dixon; cyclist Hayden Roulston, who picked up a silver and bronze at the games; and 1500 bronze medalist Nick Willis.

Three paralympians, cyclist Paula Tesoriero, and swimmers Cameron Leslie and 15-year-old Sophie Pascoe, are also made members of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

New Zealand's Olympic and Commonwealth games team chef de mission, Dave Currie, is made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit after being at the helm for eight years.

Administrator and businessman John Wells is made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his involvement in the successful 2011 Rugby World Cup bid.