Lisa Carrington is New Zealand’s Greatest Olympian
In the pantheon of Olympic legends, few names shine as brightly as Lisa Carrington’s. With her success at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Carrington has cemented her status as New Zealand’s most successful Olympian by a significant margin, standing tall alongside some of the greatest athletes in history. Her nine Olympic gold medals place her in an elite group, equalling legends like Mark Spitz, Carl Lewis, and Katie Ledecky, and firmly establishing her as a sporting icon not just in New Zealand, but globally.
At the Paris 2024 Games, Carrington added three more gold medals to her already glittering collection, triumphing in the K1 500m, K4 500m, and K2 500m events. These victories brought her total Olympic gold count to nine, a staggering achievement that no other New Zealand athlete has come close to matching. Her dominance in the sport of canoe sprint over the past decade has been nothing short of extraordinary, making her a symbol of excellence and perseverance.
When we reflect on New Zealand’s Olympic history, Carrington’s achievements stand out not just for their quantity, but for their consistency and longevity. She has now surpassed the combined gold medal tally of Ian Ferguson, Paul MacDonald, and Peter Snell, who each etched their names into the nation’s sporting lore with four and three golds respectively. While these athletes remain revered figures in New Zealand’s Olympic history, Carrington’s accomplishments have set a new benchmark, one that may never be eclipsed.
Her nine gold medals place her 2nd equal alongside some of the most celebrated Olympians in the world. Only Michael Phelps, the American swimming sensation with 23 gold medals, has won more. Carrington’s place among the greats is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that has defined her career. She now shares the spotlight with Larisa Latynina, Paavo Nurmi, and Caeleb Dressel, all of whom have also achieved the remarkable feat of winning nine gold medals.
For New Zealand, Carrington’s success is a source of immense national pride. She represents the very best of what the country can achieve on the global stage. Her performances have inspired countless young athletes and brought joy to New Zealanders who have watched her rise to the top with admiration and awe.
Carrington’s journey to becoming New Zealand’s greatest Olympian has been marked by her unwavering commitment to her sport. Her training regimen, mental toughness, and ability to deliver under pressure have made her a formidable competitor. Beyond her physical prowess, Carrington’s humility and grace have endeared her to fans both in New Zealand and around the world. She has become a role model, not just for aspiring athletes, but for anyone who seeks to achieve greatness through hard work and determination.
As we celebrate Lisa Carrington’s extraordinary achievements, it’s worth noting that her story is far from over. At 35, she continues to compete at the highest level, and her hunger for success shows no signs of diminishing. Germany’s Birgit Fischer won kayaking gold in Athens at age 42, so it’s entirely plausible she could go one to win more. Whether she decides to continue competing or not, Carrington’s legacy is already secure. She has not only cemented her place as New Zealand’s greatest Olympian, she has also placed herself among the greatest Olympians of all time. Her legacy will inspire generations to come.