Andrea Hewitt finished fastest of the three New Zealand women competiting in the triathlon in Beijing, but needed medical help after crossing the line.
The 26-year-old Christchurch woman was dehydrated after finishing 8th in the race, which was won by Australian Emma Snowsill.
The other New Zealanders Debbie Tanner and Sam Warriner came 10th and 16th respectively.
All three were part of the leaders group for the majority of the race.
Portugal's Vanessa Fernades won silver and Australia also picked up bronze, through Emma Moffett.
