We see one side of our top athletes. The serious, determined part that has worked for years to get to the pinnacle of their sport and earn a place to compete at the Olympics.
But behind the scenes, these young Kiwi sports stars are just like us. They have their secret hobbies, favourite pop songs and routines – just with a bit more gym time!
Click through to find out some surprising facts about our 2016 Olympians.
For an exclusive interview with Lauren Boyle and more on our Olympic team, check out the August issue of NEXT
Eliza McCartney was blessed with the perfect genetics to be a pro pole vaulter, her father was a talented high jumper and her mother is a former gymnast.
Lisa Carrington had to choose between going to her Year 13 school ball or junior world championships in the Czech Republic. She chose the world champs.
Lydia Ko might be a golfing prodigy, but she’s still a pretty normal teen. Her go-to karaoke songs are always by Adele, and she loves to hand-make presents for her friends.
Be it a winning formula or just superstition, competitive swimmer Lauren Boyle “can’t race” without a shellac pedicure.
Weightlifter Tracey Lambrechs’ unlikely hobbies include musicals, cross stich and collecting Elvis Presley memorabilia.
