New Zealand's rowing squad for the upcoming Paris Olympics is poised to be a force to reckon with, boasting a lineup stacked with talent and experience. With 10 medal winners from the Tokyo Games in their ranks, anticipation is high for another stellar performance on the world stage.
Rowing NZ recently unveiled its team of eight boats for the World Cup II regatta in Lucerne, Switzerland, scheduled for the end of May. This squad is expected to mirror the lineup for the 2024 Olympics, setting the stage for an exciting campaign ahead.
Among the standout athletes included in the team is Emma Twigg, the defending women's single scull gold medalist, who will undoubtedly be a formidable contender in Paris. Additionally, five members of the men's eight, which clinched gold in Tokyo, have secured their spots in various boats, reaffirming New Zealand's depth and prowess in the sport.
While the focus for Paris will shift to smaller boats, with no eights entered in either class, New Zealand's dominance in rowing remains evident. The team's composition reflects a strategic approach aimed at maximizing medal potential across multiple disciplines.
Tom Mackintosh, bronze medalist at last year's world championships, will represent New Zealand as the men's single sculler, bringing a blend of skill and determination to the competition. Meanwhile, Jordan Parry and Robbie Manson will form the men's double sculls partnership, with Dan Williamson and Phillip Wilson teaming up in the men's pair.
A notable return to the national team is Kerri Williams (nee Gowler), who took a hiatus from the sport for a year. With dual medals from Tokyo, including gold in the women's pair alongside the now-retired Grace Prendergast, Williams adds invaluable experience to the lineup. She joins her sister, Jackie Gowler, in the women's four, further strengthening New Zealand's prospects for success.
Having secured qualification for eight boats at last year's world championships in Belgrade, Serbia, New Zealand enters the Paris Olympics with confidence and determination. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the stage is set for another chapter of glory in the storied history of New Zealand rowing.
NZ rowing team to compete at World Cup II, Lucerne, Switzerland, May 24-26:
Women’s single scull: Emma Twigg;
women’s double scull: Lucy Spoors, Brooke Francis;
women’s lightweight double scull: Jackie Kiddle, Shannon Cox;
women’s coxless four: Jackie Gowler, Davina Waddy, Kerri Williams, Phoebe Spoors;
men’s single scull: Tom Mackintosh;
men’s double scull: Robbie Manson, Jordan Parry;
men’s coxless pair: Dan Williamson, Phillip Wilson;
men’s coxless four: Matt Macdonald, Tom Murray, Logan Ullrich, Oliver Maclean;
reserve men’s pair: Ben Taylor, Campbell Crouch.