Why are the Kiwis so strong at a number of sports, when they only have the population of say, Sydney ?

Question

Ok hats of to the Kiwis, they played strong and did well (aka a Jack Gibson qoute), Proved again to be the Strongest Rugby Nation and Netball, probably the best sailing Nation although they missed out on the Americas Cup. One of the best Formula 1 countries as wll. So why is it they are so strong compared to others when they only have a population the size of a city like Sydney !

I thought Australia was the Best on the World Sporting stage with only 21 Million, but NZ has only 4 Million I think ?

Answer 1

I was born in New Zealand and have lived here all my life in the Wellington/Paraparaumu  area.

You're right ... we only have a population of about 4 million.

Our sportsmen/women also win in Cricket, Yachting, Netball, Rowing, Golf, Wind Surfing, Cycling and ...... yuk RUGBY.

Not all over here in New Zealand like rugby ... it stops a lot of social lives.  Whoever said that NZ is a "Rugby Nation" didn't give us a chance to vote.

The best thing about Rugby is when we lose.  That way we get our normal television programmes back and we don't have to sit there watching repeat after repeat after repeat etc etc etc.

SKINCANCERDOCTOR ..... New Zealand is not cold all year round.  It is our winter over here at the moment and every morning I go out on the balcony to read and have my morning coffee.

Today on the Kapiti Coast ... Raumati Beach it is sunny and warm.

Answer 2

Yeah I think they are an example for so-called "developed" Nations whose people die from things as stupid as obesity. I bet in NZ every kid plays actively a sport.

I would like to say that I am somewhat in the same situation as Chris, I come from Argentina, and hate football soccer! (I luuuuuuuuuuuv rugby though!)

NZ is a very interesting country, with lots of history, landscapes and culture. Im planning to travel there soon, but I still hope we the Pumas crush you on september!

Answer 3

I slightly disagree with Chris. NZ as not as rugby headed as many make it out to be, but most people in the country seem to have an understanding and support the game.

I mean, rugby was compulsary at my time in school and our school of 850+ students at the time had over 25 rugby teams compared to say 4 soccer/footcall teams.

I think it is fair to say that Rugby is still the most popular sport in the country, but obviously not all enjoy it.

NZ does well for it's size. To add to the sports above, Triathlons, cycling, and certain track and field events have been strong for NZ in the past. In 1996 we rocked at swimming as well and not to mention our cricket, hockey, basketball and league teams are ranked up there as well.

For a country of 4 million, we do pretty well.

Answer 4

all you answers forgot something

its in the gumboots

Whooops

Baaaaaaaaaaaaa

Answer 5

they do have a lot of talented sports people out there

Answer 6

'Cos there's fu<k all else to do over there except:

1) Play sport

2) Shag sheep

3) Play sport AND shag sheep

4) Emigrate to Australia (we must have about 3 million of them here in Australia!!!!)

BAAAAAAABARA.............................

"Danielle" (below) obviously can't handle a JOKE.......

My two best mates are Kiwis!!!!!

Answer 7

The Kiwis are great at rugby and netball but i would hardly generalise and say that they are good at sports. You only have to look at thier performance in the last 3 Olympics to see that they are only strong in 2 sports that i can think of. By the way, Congrats to the All Blacks for winning the bledsloe and the tri-nations. They are the most deserving team.

Answer 8

I think that it all comes down to Commitment.  We are a committed country when it comes to sport.  Because were such a small country we have to be recongnised for something.

And thats sport!

For a small country we are very hard to beat in sport hehehe.

and the dude above me is just on a angry buzz because hes a Aussie and some Aussie's i see now dont like us New Zealanders. very sad.

Answer 9

you are right - kiwis rock at sport. It is cold year round so you can always get out there and exercise. Coastline is same as continental US so v strong sailing. Settled by rugby-playing pioneers who encountered fierce maoris whom they immediately banned from killing each other - warrior tradition continues on the rugby field. Culture of mod NZ is very much based on sport - sport heroes are adulated and sport is conitnual topic of media and society. Seen as a way of earning, getting out of NZ, becoming well known. Etc

Answer 10

Cos kiwis are tough as nails.  They love contact sports and most of all belting bigger fish ie aussies & poms.

Answer 11

yes you are right   i from n z , we learn sport at a very young age here , it 2nd nature here for sports its a part of our life here

Answer 12

To be honest, although I think we punch a little above our weight globally, I feel it's a big stretch to suggest that we're strong at a number of sports.

I think our secret is that we take up sports that aren't globally popular and then bash them to death. Cricket has 9-10 test-playing nations, rugby has maybe 4 or 5 teams who can realistically win the World Cup, netball has only 2 world-class teams, and Rugby League the same.

We can't compete (bar the occasional exceptional athlete) in the sports that are truly global like soccer, athletics and swimming, which is why our medal count is always relatively poor at the Olympics (although it's OK on a per capita basis). This isn't to take away from our performances in any of the sports where we DO do well, but with a population of 4 million I don't think we'll ever be able to foot it internationally across a range of sports.

Answer 13

sorry Wayne am going to disagree on this one,rugby union sure but that's what happens when you have 4 million who are obsessed with one sport and even then they only have the 1 world cup,and as for other sports like cricket which they suck at and what else?? netball maybe every once and a while they beat us,yatching who cares (rich mans sport) that's about it,the kiwis are mediocre a most sports good at one -UNION and that's if they don't choke again.......cheers!