Ko and Fox to be Joined by Hillier at Paris 2024

Lydia Ko shading from the heat during a round of golf Photo: NZ Olympic Team.

Ryan Fox and Lydia Ko are set to be joined by Olympic debutant Daniel Hillier at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Ko heads into the Games looking to complete her set of Olympic medals, having won silver at Rio 2016 and bronze at Tokyo 2020.

“It’s an honour to represent New Zealand at the Olympics once again,” says Ko.

“The experiences of competing in Rio and Tokyo have been incredible, and I’m looking forward to Paris. My goal is to bring home the gold for New Zealand.”

It will also be the third Olympic Games for Fox, who heads to the Games in solid form, having made the cut in the last seven Majors.

Since turning professional in 2012, Fox has primarily played in Europe, but in 2023, he split his time between the DP World Tour and the US, before going full-time on the USPGA Tour.

Fox’s results since the Tokyo 2020 Olympics has been impressive, with multiple top-10 finishes on the DP World Tour and a notable victory at the BMW PGA Championship in 2023.

“I grew up in a family where representing New Zealand was the highest honor. The Olympics offer a unique opportunity to do that, and I’m thrilled to be part of the team again,” says Fox.

Leading New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox launches a big drive at his charity event, The Fox, at the Waihi Golf Club. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media.

“Competing in Paris will be an incredible experience, and I’m looking forward to giving my best for New Zealand,” says Fox.

Meanwhile Hillier, one of New Zealand’s brightest young talents, will make his Olympic debut in Paris.

The 25-year-old has made significant strides as a young professional, quickly progressing from Europe’s Challenge Tour to the DP World Tour.

He became a DP World Tour winner in 2023 with his triumph at the Betfred British Masters.

Known for his precision and composure, Hillier’s game continues to mature, and he is eager to embrace the challenge of competing on the Olympic stage.

Daniel Hillier. Photo: Golf NZ.

The men's golf event will take place from August 1 to 4, followed by the women's event from August 7 to 10.

Both competitions will be held at the prestigious Le Golf National, renowned for its challenging course and stunning landscape.

NZOC CEO Nicki Nicol extends her congratulations to the athletes.

“Well done to Lydia, Ryan and Daniel on their selection to the New Zealand Team,” says Nicol.

“Golf is one of the sports that New Zealanders love to support at the Olympic Games and we wish you all the best as you take to the course next month in Paris.”

Golf was reintroduced to the Olympic Games at Rio 2016 after a 112-year hiatus.

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