Rowers, it’s time to get inspired for the 2024 Paris Olympics—the World’s Fastest Sculler, Robbie Manson, is back and ready to compete! Having experienced a rollercoaster of highs and lows throughout his career, Manson has demonstrated continuity and determination to stay at the top of rowing. With four national titles on his record, our beloved champion is determined to bring medals home.
The 2024 Olympics are set to be even more exciting than before, with every athlete striving towards their goal—Manson will undoubtedly leave everyone in awe after his performance this summer. In this blog post, we’ll explore how he has managed through the ‘unpredictability’ of training during Covid-19 and tips that could help you have similar success well ahead of the big event. Let’s dive in!
Four-time winner of the national men’s single scull title and five-time World Rowing Cup II, gold medallist Robbie Manson, took an indefinite break from the sport in October 2020 after the Tokyo Olympics had been postponed. However, he was back on the water 16 months later as part of Rowing New Zealand’s elite training squad, with hopes to secure a place in the team for this year’s world championships in Belgrade in September.
Manson returned to racing in February and was a close third at the men’s single scull final at Lake Ruataniwha while also taking gold in double sculls and quad (with his Waikato crewmates) and silver in eight. He is joined by fellow New Zealanders Jordan Parry – who represented New Zealand in the single scull at Tokyo Olympics – and Tom Murray, a gold medalist in the eight at Tokyo.
Olympic champion Grace Prendergast will compete alongside Ruby Tew for Cambridge, while Emma Twigg – women’s Olympic single scull gold medalist – will defend her title in Paris aged 33.
Manson’s Waikato crewmate Kirstyn Goodger is also in the mix, with her sights set on a podium finish in the women’s pair.
Manson’s success in rowing has come with challenges – Covid-19 has severely disrupted his preparation for the Olympics, and he has needed to be creative with his training. He has taken to running, cycling and yoga to stay fit, but he admits nothing can replace the feeling of being on the water.
He is also determined to finish what he started – “The postponement was a difficult time for me, but I’ve come out stronger, more motivated and more determined to make the most of my opportunity for a place on the Olympic team.”
With so much talent, seeing how Manson and New Zealand’s other world-class rowers perform in Paris is exciting. This summer promises to be one of the best Olympics yet, so watch for Manson and his teammates as they strive for gold. Good luck, Robbie!
We wish all the rowers competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics the best of luck and hope they can achieve their ambitions. May your blades be swift and your determination strong—we’re rooting for you!
New Zealand’s Olympic Rowing History
New Zealand’s Olympic rowing history spans many decades, resulting in numerous medals during each event. The country is mainly known for its victories in the single and double sculls due to its commitment to this specific field of sport. The nation enjoys the most significant success in two-person sculls at the Olympics, with three gold, two silver and six bronze medals won since the team first competed in 1956.
Six gold, four silver and two bronze medals have been earned for single sculls since 1968. Other successes included a gold medal for lightweight men’s four in 2008 and recent gold by Mahe Drysdale in the men’s single, proving New Zealand’s commitment to rowing excellence internationally.
The country has actively engaged in men’s and women’s rowing events since 1984. The most successful female rowers are Juliette Haigh-Woodward and Fiona Bourke, who won gold medals in double sculls at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
New Zealand is well prepared to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, with an excellent standing in the world rowing rankings. The nation continues to produce world-class rowers and support them with top coaches and facilities. The country hopes its Olympic rowers can bring more medals at the next Games.
The future of New Zealand’s rowing success lies in the hands of its existing and future Olympians, who will strive for excellence on the world’s biggest stage. New Zealand wants to make history at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with world-class athletes, strong coaching teams, and excellent facilities. We wish all of our rower’s success!
FAQ
Q: What is the record of New Zealand’s Olympic rowing success?
A: New Zealand has had quite a successful history in rowing at the Olympics and holds many medals for men’s and women’s events. The country is mainly known for its victories in the single and double sculls due to its commitment to this specific field of sport. Since 1956, New Zealand has won three golds, two silvers and six bronzes in two-person sculls, and six golds, four silvers and two bronzes for single sculls since 1968.
Q: Who are some of the most successful female rowers from New Zealand?
A: Juliette Haigh-Woodward and Fiona Bourke are some of New Zealand’s most successful female rowers. Both women won a gold medal in double sculls at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Other successful female athletes include Emma Twigg – women’s Olympic single scull gold medalist – who will defend her title in Paris in 2024.
Q: What role does New Zealand play in the world of rowing?
A: New Zealand is well known for its commitment to excellence and involvement in rowing. The country has produced some of the best rowers and coaches globally, providing excellent training facilities and competing facilities that are recognized worldwide. New Zealand also enjoys success at major international events such as the Olympics, with many gold medals won since 1956. In preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, New Zealand continues to produce top athletes and provide them with world-class coaching teams and resources. We wish all our rowers success!