King Charles III has sent a congratulatory letter to Kiwi Olympians following their successful campaign at the Paris Games.
New Zealand took home 20 medals over the course of the Games which included a record 10 gold medals, along with seven silvers and three bronzes.
The letter was sent to New Zealand's Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro and was posted on Instagram.
"My wife and I send our most heartfelt congratulations to all those who represented New Zealand at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris," it read.
"From the rugby field to the velodrome, the team ably and successfully demonstrated the grit and spirit of true Olympians — and true Kiwis."
The Monarch was referring to the women's sevens team who achieved back-to-back gold medals, as well as the efforts of our track cycling team, which picked up five medals, including two golds for Ellesse Andrews.
"It has been enormously impressive to see just how extraordinarily successful your athletes have been in securing New Zealand's highest gold medal count at a single Olympics to date, and I hope that all of New Zealand shared in my joy at witnessing the wonderful sporting culture of this great nation on the world's stage."
New Zealand finished 11th on the overall Olympic medal tally — above countries such as Canada and Spain.
"Medals aside, I feel very strongly that sporting achievements are measured in many more ways than by positions on leaderboards," the King wrote. "To compete at the Olympic Games as one of the world's greatest athletes is a remarkable achievement in itself, and reflects the many years of dedication, determination and discipline required to represent one's country at elite level.
"The herculean effort of the entire New Zealand team, both athletes and support staff, has earned admiration of people from across the world, my own included."
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