Key Takeaways:
- Geordie Beamish wins New Zealand’s first-ever track gold at the World Championships
- Dame Noeline Taurua is reinstated as Silver Ferns coach after a 51-day suspension
- Auckland FC rises to the top in their inaugural season, claiming the Premiership title
- Ryan Fox wins twice on the PGA Tour, becoming one of New Zealand’s most successful golfers
- Hayden Wilde completes a courageous comeback, winning the T100 World Triathlon series
- Liam Lawson completes his first full season in F1, securing his seat for 2026
Introduction to Kiwi Sports Stories
The year 2025 has been an eventful one for New Zealand sports, with numerous controversies, comebacks, suspensions, breakthrough wins, and near-perfect seasons. RNZ sport takes a look back at some of the biggest Kiwi sports stories of the year. From Geordie Beamish’s dramatic tumble at the World Championships to Auckland FC’s rise to the top in their inaugural season, there have been plenty of exciting moments to remember.
Geordie Beamish’s Dramatic Tumble
New Zealand track runner Geordie Beamish made headlines in September when he took a tumble at the World Championships in Tokyo. During the heats of the 3000m steeplechase, Beamish fell after tripping over a barrier on the final lap, and a rival runner’s spiked foot briefly made contact with his face. Fortunately, Beamish was able to recover and finished second in the heat, sustaining only a couple of scratches to his face. Two days later, he stunned the field in the final, beating hot favorite and two-time Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco to claim gold. This historic win marked New Zealand’s first-ever track gold at a World Championships.
Dame Noeline Taurua and the Silver Ferns Saga
Dame Noeline Taurua, the coach of the Silver Ferns, was at the center of a major controversy in September when she was stood down by Netball NZ just days out from the Taini Jamison series against South Africa. The move followed a breakdown in talks over proposed changes to the Silver Ferns program. The impasse led to Taurua’s suspension being extended until the end of the year, sidelining her from the Constellation Cup series against Australia and the UK tour. However, after 51 days, Taurua was reinstated as Silver Ferns coach, and changes were implemented to the team’s management and "psych model" for tours.
Auckland FC’s Rise to the Top
Auckland FC, established in March 2024, made a significant impact in their inaugural season in the A-League. Under the guidance of Steve Corica, the team finished with just three losses in the regular competition, claiming the Premiership title and finishing five points clear at the top of the standings. Auckland FC’s success was marked by a strong home record, with only one loss at home in the regular season, and an average of 18,000 fans attending their home games. Although their golden run came to an end in the semi-finals of the play-offs, the team’s achievement was a notable one, with Captain Hiroki Sakai finishing third in the Johnny Warren Medal voting and Corica being named Coach of the Year.
Ryan Fox’s PGA Tour Success
Ryan Fox, a New Zealand golfer, made history by becoming the first Kiwi to win on the PGA Tour in 20 years. Fox won the Myrtle Beach Classic in South Carolina in May and the Canadian Open in June, finishing in the top 40 in the overall season standings. These wins have given him security on the PGA Tour for the next couple of years, and he is now one of New Zealand’s most successful golfers, with ten victories worldwide. Fox’s goal is now to achieve success in majors, and he will be looking to build on his recent success in the coming years.
Hayden Wilde’s Courageous Comeback
Hayden Wilde, a New Zealand triathlete, made a remarkable comeback after a horror bike crash in May. Wilde broke several ribs, had a broken scapula, and a punctured lung after being knocked off his bike by a truck while on a training ride in Tokyo. Despite the severity of his injuries, Wilde returned to racing less than 100 days later, marking a winning comeback with victory at the T100 London race. He went on to win several more rounds before taking the season finale and the overall title, capping off an impressive season with his sixth victory.
Liam Lawson’s First Full Season in F1
Liam Lawson, a 23-year-old New Zealand F1 driver, completed his first full season in the sport. Although he may not have won any races or stepped on a podium, Lawson spent plenty of time in the sporting headlines. He started the season in the Red Bull team but struggled to make an impression alongside team-mate and world champion Max Verstappen. Lawson was demoted to the junior Racing Bulls team after just two rounds and replaced by Yuki Tsunoda. However, he managed to secure his first points in Monaco and had a strong run of results in the middle of the season. Lawson’s efforts were rewarded when his seat in Racing Bulls was confirmed for 2026, and he will be looking to build on his experience and achieve consistency in the coming years.