Injury rules Harman out of Sanyo Cup

Injury has ruled Kodi Harman out of the 2015 Sanyo Cup in Japan next month, creating a change to the team line-up.

The Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club member has had to withdrawal due to a leg injury which has failed to come right in the time frame his coach would like.

New Zealand Team Coach Jason Pocock says Kodi has had to make the unfortunate decision to remove himself from the team as he did not feel he would be able to put 100% intensity in for long enough prior to the competition. "He also doesn't want to let the rest of the NZ selection team down," he says.

Kodi will be replaced by sprinter Jake Hurley from Mairangi Bay Surf Life Saving Club.

The 18 year-old recently marked his best-ever national championship performance, collecting four gold medals. He won the under-19 beach flags title on the first day and then snatched three more titles in quick succession late on the second day, including the rare under-19 and open beach sprint double.

He has also been named in the New Zealand Youth Team to compete at the International Surf Rescue Challenge in Australia in September.

Mr Pocock says it's disappointing that Kodi won't be able to compete in Japan. "But it's important for him to focus on his long-term career and make sure he gives his leg time to heal properly. We are excited to have Jake on board and we know he will be an excellent addition to our team," he says.

The 2015 Sanyo Bussan International Lifesaving Cup is being held in Aoshima Beach, Miyazaki, Japan from July 19-20.

The team of eight athletes leave for Japan on Thursday July 16.

The team also includes Max Beattie (Omanu), Danielle McKenzie (Mairangi Bay) Cory Taylor (Midway), Zoe Hobbs (Fitzroy), Carina Doyle (St Clair) Ben Johnston (Papamoa) and Hannah Williams (Piha).

Events include Surf Race, Board Race, Oceanman/woman, Beach Flags, Beach Sprint, Board Rescue Tube Rescue, Oceanwoman Relay and Beach Relay.

To keep up to date with the team's journey visit the High Performance Facebook page or on Twitter @slsnzhp.

For more information, please contact:

Lisa Honeybone, Media & Communications Specialist, SLSNZ
Phone 09 303 9335 or 0276 488 823
Email lisa.honeybone@surflifesaving.org.nz