The Glow of Gold

Short Film (Full Length) – 1968

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This film comprehensively surveys Kiwi Olympic success to 1968. Footage includes triumphs from running men Lovelock, Halberg and Snell (trying a celebratory haka), and long jumper Yvette Williams; and podium efforts from Marise Chamberlain, Barry Magee and John Holland. The John O'Shea-made doco then meets athletes training for the upcoming Mexico Olympics. Reigning Boston Marathon winner Dave McKenzie runs on quiet West Coast roads and Warren Cole rows on Lake Rotoiti under snow-capped peaks. Cole would go on to win gold in the Men's Coxed Four.

Athletic champions are usually modest and unassuming. A further safeguard to that modesty is the isolation and remoteness in which New Zealand athletes work themselves up to Olympic standards.
– Narrator Peter Gwynne