Kiwi kayaker Lisa Carrington is the toast of New Zealand after she claimed her third medal at the Tokyo Olympics on Thursday.
With three gold medals in Tokyo – in the K1-200, K1-500 and K2-500 sprint canoe races – her overall medal tally from three games is now at six, making her the nation’s most successful Olympic athlete in history.
After claiming that title along with the plaudits of the entire country, SENZ host Brendon McCullum was asked whether Carrington should now be considered the greatest athlete in New Zealand’s history.
“Yep, I think so,” McCullum replied on SENZ Breakfast.
“Of our time, I think so.”
Despite her performances coming in the same year as the Blackcaps’ success in the World Test Championship, McCullum believes Carrington is a “lock” to take home the Halberg Supreme Award for the most outstanding Kiwi sporting achievement this year.
“I was intrigued yesterday when Smithy said she’ll be a lock for the Halberg as well, as the New Zealand cricket team couldn’t be more impressive than what they’ve been,” McCullum said.
“But it’s hard to argue against that sentiment that she’s a lock for that Halberg award, surely.”
Carrington could yet add another medal to her tally at these games, as she’ll line up in the K-4 500m race on Saturday.