Todd Talks with Todd Muller National MP

I'm sure, like me, you have been enjoying the Olympics which, despite everything that gets thrown at it, seem quadrennially able to make us smile and feel proud to be Kiwis.

I have been deeply moved by watching the reactions of both our athletes and those closest to them. Maybe the joy of winning gold is always significant, but throughout these Covid Olympics our medallists have shown remarkable emotion. It's been a treat to see their families' reactions too.

At every other Olympics they would have been in the stands with their anxiety, relief and tears lost to our cameras. But this week we have seen them in their homes and makeshift viewing areas cry with sheer joy at their loved ones' success.

I can recall our greatest league coach, Graham Lowe, once saying that shedding tears of joy is a remarkable human experience that isn't celebrated enough. He is bang on.

Watching the Black Ferns cry with sheer exhaustion and joy was very moving. I found myself blinking back tears with them - I sense we all were - and Graham was right.

When we blink along with the parents, friends and the athletes themselves, it really does feed your soul. Well done to all of the New Zealand Olympic team – you have bought us closer to our own shared humanity.