New Zealand's Record-Breaking Olympic Triumph Tarnished by Map Snub

New Zealand, a nation of 5 million, achieved its best-ever Olympic performance at the Paris Olympics with 10 golds and 20 medals overall. However, the nation was notably absent from a world map at the closing ceremony. The omission was explained as a representation of five inhabited continents, with Australia standing in for Oceania, much to the irritation of New Zealanders.

The omission of New Zealand from the world map at the Paris Olympics closing ceremony has sparked controversy. The nation of 5 million, which finished 11th on the medal table with 10 golds and 20 medals overall, saw its best Olympic performance overshadowed by this perceived slight.

Officials explained that the map represented the five inhabited continents and that Australia stood in for Oceania. This explanation did little to soothe New Zealanders, who view Australia as their chief sporting rival.

The sting was particularly sharp given New Zealand's historic achievement: one gold medal for every 533,890 people, and one medal of any color for every 258,000 people. This placed New Zealand third on the per-capita medal table behind Dominica and St. Lucia.

(With inputs from agencies.)