New Zealand's six medals at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing are a sign of things to come, says chef de mission Christine Arthur.
The Kiwis wrapped up their campaign at the Games on Tuesday with the men's hockey fives team losing 4-3 to Pakistan for sixth place.
But the Youth Olympics chef de mission said she thinks New Zealand has performed well overall despite all the challenges they faced.
"I think everybody stepped up at different times," Arthur said.
"There's been some world class athletes here and they've learned to hold on.
"I've been really impressed with their attitudes."
The Games have also highlighted which athletes could go on to represent New Zealand at a senior level at the Olympics.
"I think the people who have won medals here are certainly worth looking at," she said.
"There's several that we'll watch for the future."
This includes 18-year-old rider Emily Fraser, who won gold in equestrian, as well as trampoline gymnastic medallist Dylan Schmidt, 17.
In the pool, swimmers Bobbi Gichard and Gabrielle Fa'amausili, both 14, each won bronze against older and more experienced competitors.
New Zealand's only silver medallist at the Games, triathlete Daniel Hoy, narrowly missed out on gold after a photo finish with the winner.
The 16-year-old Aucklander later teamed up with Palmerston North's Elizabeth Stannard, 17, and two Australian athletes to win bronze in the mixed team triathlon.
Arthur says it's not just athletes with medals who have potential.
Golfers Nick Coxon and Julianne Alvarez finished 10th overall in the mixed team event in a field of 30.
The pair won their final round, but unfortunately it was not enough to get them onto the podium.
Athletes who missed out on medals but showed skill and determination could go on to become Olympians, Arthur said.
"I think they've got big futures," she said.
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