Two athletes, many supporters: Government, sports leaders accompany Cook Islands athletes to Paris Olympics

The Cook Islands team, which consists of just two athletes, will be supported by officials, coaches and dignitaries during the Paris Games, with their expenses covered by funding from the IOC and the government.

The Cook Islands team will send just two athletes – swimmer Lanihei Connolly and athlete Alex Beddoes – to the Paris Olympics in France from July 26 to August 11, 2024. They will be accompanied by five officials and a team of other Cook Islanders.

Lanihei Connolly is competing in the 100m breaststroke and is currently perfecting her preparations at a pre-competition training camp organised by the Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC).

Alex Beddoes, who competes in the 800m track and field event, is scheduled to leave the island today to join the Australian Olympic track and field team in training camp.

Both athletes are scheduled to arrive at the Olympic Village on July 24, and the Cook Islands team management will carefully arrange their accommodation and resources to ensure a smooth transition and that they can focus on the competition.

Mark Short will lead the Cook Islands team as Chef de Mission, with other members including national swimming coaches Horst Miehe and Vaughan Craddock accompanying the athletes, team specialist Raukura Ellison and team physiotherapist Tanya Browne.

Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) secretary general Kezia Lewis said many Cook Islanders will be attending the Paris Olympics.

“They are not necessarily members of the Cook Islands team but they will be travelling with the team and no doubt they will be cheering the team on at games,” Lewis said.

These included “but were not limited to” CISNOC President Hugh Graham, Kezia Lewis, Sports Minister Vine “Mike” Mokoroa, King’s Representative Sir Tom Masters and his wife Lady Tuena Masters, CISNOC Senior Vice President Romani Katoa (in her capacity as Executive Committee Member of World Aquatics), Vice President Louisa Peters (in her capacity as Executive Committee Member of International Weightlifting) and Vice President Dr Te Ariki Puni (in her capacity as a doctor from the ONOC Shared Services Medical Team).

Lewis introduced that all expenses for the IOC to invite guests, especially the president and secretary general, are paid by the IOC’s funding.

She added that as part of the Olympic family and friends, invitees have the right to have one guest accompany them, but all expenses of the guest are borne by the individual and are not funded by the IOC.

The expenses of the King’s representative and his delegation are covered by government grants approved by Parliament, while the travel expenses of the Minister of Sports are covered by ministry grants.

Overall, the IOC’s grant covers official team fees and the management team, including the IOC president, secretary general, Cook Islands official team and management. Lewis said the IOC only covers the cost of uniforms and medical teams.