Coxless pair Phillip Wilson and Dan Williamson have been added to the NZ rowing contingent, after overcoming a challenge for their Paris Olympics berth.
The duo were part of the triumphant Kiwi eight at Tokyo 2020, but with New Zealand's decision not to contest that event this time, they were switched to a boat best known for the decade-long dominance - including two Olympic golds - of Eric Murray and Hamish Bond.
"We walk in the footsteps of some of the greats and, in that sense, it is very special," said Williamson. "Just thinking about the success had in this boat class won’t get us anywhere, it's now up to Phil and I, our coaches and physiologists to deliver at Games time.
"We take great inspiration from those that have come before us and are motivated by the fact it's been done before."
New Zealand has won four Olympic medals in the event, including silver to Bob Stiles and Rangi Thompson at Los Angeles 1932, and bronze to Nathan Twaddle and George Bridgwater at Beijing 2008.
Wilson and Ben Taylor qualified the boat by finishing ninth at last year's world rowing championships in Serbia, but they were split up in the selection process, with Wilson and Williamson heading off Taylor and Campbell Couch for bronze at a recent World Cup regatta in Poland.
"Having your seats opened up for selection really just adds fuel to the fire," said Williamson. "The last few weeks have really taught us how to manage external distractions, while staying internally focused, a skill that will definitely come in handy during the Olympics."
Their selection brings the NZ squad to 20 athletes across nine boats.
