“It's been crazy”: Ko caught up in gold medal whirlwind after iconic Paris victory

Golden Kiwi golfer Lydia Ko has barely had time to breathe since her triumph at Paris 2024.

It's been a whirlwind 24 hours, and Ko admits she's still regularly checking in on her medal – just to make sure it wasn't all just a fantastic dream.

"It's been crazy," she told SENZ's Scotty & Izzy. "I've had no sleep.

"I had to catch an early flight out to Scotland because I'm playing in Scotland these next few weeks. Other than that, I think I probably did need a bit of sleep to actually take all of this in.

"I feel like nothing has really changed and nothing should change, but I don't know what I expected.

"It's a pretty surreal feeling. I keep checking my medal.

"It's unbelievable."

Kiwi sports fans awoke to plenty of great news from France on Sunday morning. But Ko's unrivalled accomplishment of completing her full set of Olympic medals, following her silver at Rio 2016 and bronze at Tokyo 2020, was undoubtedly one of the highlights of both the day and the NZ team's overall campaign.

And it was clear how much it meant to Ko. One of the nation's most beloved athletes, only the staunchest of Kiwis could have resisted sharing a wee tear with her as the New Zealand flag was raised to the pinnacle.

The overwhelming outpouring of support Ko says she's received since tells the whole story.

"So many people messaged me saying 'I cried on the plane', 'I teared up'," she told co-host Israel Dagg.

"I feel really grateful, because even though I do play an individual sport I feel like it's not a one-person show. There are a lot of people who get involved who help make these moments happen for athletes.

"When that putt went in, I could see multiple faces, people that I'm so thankful for.

"I was just so grateful for this moment. To have this opportunity to represent New Zealand at the biggest sporting event as an athlete - it really doesn't get any better or bigger than that."

Ko's victory also earned her the point she needed to secure her place as the youngest member of the LPGA Hall of Fame, the latest in a list of accolades too long to mention.

Still just 27 years old, it seems as though Ko has already clocked the sport of golf. To think how much more she could achieve by the time all is said and done boggles the mind, considering Ko is already one of New Zealand's greatest athletes of all time.

"It feels like a career high right now, but every single one is special in its own way," Ko said, ranking her gold medal amid her career accomplishments.

"They're all significant in their own personality and character, so I can't really compare.

"But obviously for now, this is the biggest moment – being an Olympian and coming off the Olympics with a gold medal, there's nothing that could top that."

Listen to the full interview below: