19 Sep 2014

Success for NZ surf lifesavers

12:01 pm on 19 September 2014

The New Zealand lifesaving team has won four gold medals and broken two world records at the World Championships in France.

Lyall Bay's Samantha Lee grabbed three of the four golds, including a world record time in winning the 100 metres rescue medley.

Titahi Bay's Steven Kent broke the world record in winning the men's 200 metre obstacles.

Steve Kent & Andy McMillan on the podium in France.

Steve Kent & Andy McMillan on the podium in France. Photo: Surf Lifesaving NZ

The women's 4x50 obstacles relay team of Lee, Natasha Hind, Laura Quilter and Natalie Peat won gold, before Lee grabbed her third gold of the day in the women's 200 obstacles in a time that was also a new New Zealand record.

The New Zealanders also won three silver and two bronze medals.

New Zealand manager Mark Weatherall says it was the start the team was after.

Weatherall says it was an outstanding performance, not only by the likes of Lee and Kent, but the whole team.

At the end of the first day, France leads the overall standings ahead of New Zealand and Australia.