12 Jul 2015

Eliza does a lot to earn silver medal

11:55 am on 12 July 2015

The Auckland student Eliza McCartney has won New Zealand's second medal of the World University Games in South Korea, earning a silver in the women's pole vault.

She cleared 4.40, just 5cm short of her personal best, to finish behind Li Ling of China on 4.45metres.

Pole vaulter Eliza McCartney who has won a silver medal at the World University Games.

Pole vaulter Eliza McCartney who has won a silver medal at the World University Games. Photo: Athletics Auckland

New Zealand's other silver medal of the Games was won by rower Toby Cunliffe-Steel in the men's lightweight single sculls.

Pacific Games organisers have apologised for an embarrassing gaffe in which countries were awarded medals in team shooting despite the event not being a part of the official Games programme.

Papua New Guinea were declared winners of the team air pistol event, with Tahiti and Fiji taking silver and bronze.

But New Caledonia successfully appealed the result, arguing that there was no team event listed.

The Papua New Guinea Chef de Mission said the decision not to include a team event was made months ago but was not clearly communicated

The athletes have been allowed to keep their medals but it won't count towards the official Games tally.