Massey dominates Olympic selection

Out of the 138 confirmed athletes in the New Zealand Olympics team heading to Tokyo, 84 of them have a Massey “connection”, according to the University’s website. We’re assuming that means they actually went to Massey, and that’s not just the Uni claiming responsibility for any random person that’s ever dared to walk past a Massey sign. That would be weird.  

Turns out Massey is an absolute magnet for our country’s fittest, fastest, strongest and jumpiest (?) citizens. Both Hamish Bond and Sarah Hirini, the two flag bearers for New Zealand, hold Massey qualifications. Hamish Bond, two-time gold medallist in men’s rowing, graduated with a Bachelor of Business in 2012. Sarah Hirini, silver medallist in rugby sevens and captain of the New Zealand women’s team completed her Bachelor of Arts majoring in Māori Studies in 2017. 

Why, you may be wondering is Massey such an attractive place for our Olympians to study? Hamish Kerr, representing New Zealand in high jump, said in a press release: “[Massey’s] distance programme is perfect for athletes who are on the road, and without Massey there is no way I would have been able to gain a qualification while competing.” Anyway, that’s enough sucking up to Massey from us, but an absolute congratulations to these powerhouses, and best of luck for competing. We hope they enjoy sleeping on the anti-sex cardboard beds. Please tell us all about it.