Luuka Jones has become New Zealand's first woman to represent New Zealand at the Beijing Olympic Games in canoe/kayak-slalom, the New Zealand Olympic Committee announced on Thursday.

Jones' nomination was accepted by the New Zealand Olympic Committee after she has qualified for the Games at a World Cup meet at Tacen in Slovenia on June 29.

She has previously secured the International Canoe Federation's Olympic spot for New Zealand at the Oceania Championships in Australia in March this year.

Jones, 19, is now based in Nottingham, the home of Britain's slalom team where she is able to train and compete with some of the world's most experienced slalom racers.

New Zealand Olympic selector Barry Maister was delighted at Jones' selection.

"Luuca's selection is exciting. Canoe/kayak-slalom is a thrilling sport and she's a trailblazer for us. She's a strong long-term prospect," he said in a statement.

(Xinhua News Agency July 3, 2008)