New Zealand's Olympic Committee confirmed the final selections for the men’s and women’s Triathlon team for the Beijing Olympic Games which will be held in August.

Andrea Hewitt and Shane Reed will now join Sam Warriner, Debbie Tanner, Bevan Docherty and Kris Gemmell in representing New Zealand in Beijing at the Olympic distance triathlon event.

Andrea Hewitt won the race of the Kiwis last weekend at the Mooloolaba ITU BG World Cup race but did not do enough to immediately confirm her nomination for the Beijing Olympics with a 14th place. Hewitt did finish ahead of fellow Kiwi Nicky Samuels who finished in 20th place.

On the men’s side the duel for the third and final Olympic spot between Terenzo Bozzone and Shane Reed in Mooloolaba didn't pan out as Bozzone also finished in 14th place like Hewitt while Reed finished in 25th place. Like on the women side, the decision wasn't automatic because neither finished in the top five which guarantee selection. This is why both decisions were left in the hands of the Triathlon New Zealand selectors.

Reed who is 34 was quoted as saying he would retire if he didn't make the team after his disappointing finish in Mooloolaba.

I'm pretty much ready to retire if I don't make the team. I'll race New Plymouth next week and that's it for World Cups anyway. (March 31, 2008 - The New Zealand Herald - Triathlon: Reed has tense wait over selection)

For Hewitt the announcement comes as a awesome birthday gift as she turns 26 on April 4th.

Nicky Samuels and Terenzo Bozzone were both named as official reserves in the event of injury or illness to anyone unfit to compete in Beijing.