It is ironic that New Zealand, first country to give women the vote, and a nation of avid sports fans, has never celebrated the achievements of its 'Golden Girls', those dedicated and talented women who achieved the pinnacle of sporting success - an Olympic Gold medal. So far we have six - and their achievements are finally are being honoured, as one of the lead-in events for the 2012 London Olympics. From long jumper Yvette Williams (now Yvette Corlett) to windsurfer Barbara Kendall, cyclist Sarah Ulmer, rowers Georgina and Caroline Evers-Swindell to shot-putter Valerie Vili, the courage, strength and sheer guts of these extraordinary women are combined as their stories, achievements and sporting records are brought together in a single volume. For the first time, their achievements will be celebrated, and their stories told. A dinner attended by the Prime Minister will mark the official celebration of our 'Golden Girls' and this book, produced in honour of the event, and as a record for future generations, will be a tangible example of the new publishing partnership between HarperCollins and the NZ Olympic Committee. As such, it will provide a quality record of these women and their sporting records, and will grace every sports fan's' collection, as well as provide an invaluable addition to all libraries and schools involved in the exciting new Olympic Schools programme.

Author Biography

Margot Butcher is a sports writer and journalist, with a particular love of cricket. On first-name basis with most of the women in the book, when the NZ Olympic Committee and HarperCollins were looking for the right author, she was the first and obvious choice.