Rowing launches search for stars of tomorrow

An innovative new talent identification scheme – Rowers2Rio - is all set to be pioneered by Rowing New Zealand in the Canterbury region – and the hope is that it will unearth some of the Olympic rowing champions of 2016 and beyond.

 The new talent identification scheme pilot project will be spearheaded b y 2005 World Rowing champion Nicky Coles, now Rowing Development Coach for Canterbury. Nicky will visit non-rowing secondary schools, polytechnics and universities in the region with a travelling roadshow and will conduct some simple tests using static rowing and cycling machines to determine whether those who try out have what it takes to be an Olympic Gold medal winner. Height and build will be very important, but basic strength will also count.

 If the scheme reveals any potential champions, they will be developed within the environment of the various Canterbury Rowing clubs as a development group. If the pilot project is successful then it will be rolled out to other regions on both the South Island and the North Island.

The project has a clear objective to add some future talent to the hugely successful Under 23 rowing team within three years and ultimately up to three rowers for the 2016 Olympic Regatta in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Rowers2Rio Roadshow is looking to be on campus at Canterbury University on Monday 22nd and Tuesday the 23rd of February, then Lincoln University on market day Wednesday 24th February and then at Christchurch Polytechnic (CPIT) the next week from Monday 1st March.

 “If you’re extra tall and think you might have what it takes to represent your country, even if you’re not training hard at the moment, you should stop in and fill out a nomination form,” explained Nicky Coles. “ You just never know what could happen!”