Football Fern Hannah Wilkinson’s Olympic Diary (2) – ‘Ready to rumble!’

posted in: News, Recognition

Football Fern Hannah Wilkinson is representing New Zealand at the Tokyo Olympics … here’s the second instalment of her tournament diary written for Friends of Football:

By Hannah Wilkinson

We received a beautiful welcome to the Games Village in the form of a haka from the New Zealand team, to which we responded with Six60’s Kia Mau Ki Tō Ukaipō.

We were also each gifted special Ngāi Tahu Pounamu pieces sourced from New Zealand waters and shaped by Ngāi Tahu carvers.

Experiences like these remind us how lucky and proud we are to come from and represent Aotearoa. We are the NZ Team.

The village is amazing, a mini-city in the heart of Tokyo with tall buildings donning flags from all different countries.

It’s a very different feeling compared to past Olympic games — everyone wears masks and is socially distant.

The New Zealand team in particular keeps away from more crowded areas such as the Village Plaza where there are activities and places to shop.

With the first game coming up, we feel very connected and confident, refining small details and feeling super excited, especially getting to play our trans-Tasman rivals as the first game.

Ready to rumble!

More later … keep following our campaign and thanks for your support!

  • New Zealand play Australia in the opening game on Wednesday July 21, kicking off at 11pm (NZT).

Read Hannah’s previous diary

Click here to read Hannah Wilkinson’s previous Olympic diary >>>>