Source: GOLFNZ
New Zealand is beaming with pride as Lydia Ko, our very own golfing superstar, has once again shown the world her incredible talent, winning the gold medal in the Women’s Olympic Golf competition at Paris’ Le Golf National.
Ko’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, building a five shot lead on the back nine. However, the tension heightened as her lead shrank to just one shot. Facing immense pressure, Ko showcased her championship resolve by sinking a crucial 7-foot birdie putt, carding a 1-under 71 to clinch a two-shot victory. From the first tee to the final putt, she displayed the poise, precision, and sheer skill that have made her one of New Zealand’s most beloved athletes. This victory adds another remarkable achievement to her already storied career.
The final round was a thrilling showcase of Lydia’s grit and determination. Reflecting on her mindset, Lydia said, “I kept telling myself, I get to write my own ending. I wanted to be the one that was going to control my fate and the ending to this week. To have ended this way, it’s honestly a dream come true.”
As she walked up to the 18th green, the weight of the moment was clear, but Lydia’s steady hands sank the final putt to clinch the victory. This gold medal is more than just a win; it’s a culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. And if that wasn’t enough, Lydia’s incredible achievement has also earned her a place in the LPGA Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s true legends.
The pressure was immense, with the world’s best golfers vying for the top spot. But Lydia remained calm and collected, embodying the Kiwi spirit of resilience and determination. “One of the things that I had said earlier in the week was I don’t know if there is like another Olympics for me, and I will say this is my last Olympics. I tried to stay patient out there… I just tried to focus on my game,” she said.
Ko’s emotions were on full display during the medal ceremony, especially as the New Zealand national anthem played. “I got emotional listening to the Korean National Anthem in Rio and then the American National Anthem in Tokyo so I knew that I was probably going to be a little bit of an emotional wreck on the podium listening to ours,” Lydia admitted. “When you do listen to it, it makes you feel so connected to home, and I saw so many Kiwis out there with the New Zealand flag and I know so many people back home rooted for me.”
As we celebrate this historic moment, it’s clear that Lydia Ko continues to be an inspiration for golfers across New Zealand, young and old. Her success on the world stage shines a spotlight on the growth of golf in our country, and we couldn’t be prouder
