On the 26th of March 2022, I headed down to Twizel to compete in the Aon Maadi Cup regatta. Maadi Cup is the National Championships for school rowing in New Zealand. It is New Zealand's largest rowing regatta, alternating annually between Lake Karapiro in Cambridge and Lake Ruataniwha in Twizel.

Being the only rower from Riccarton High School, I am fortunate enough to train with and be included in Burnside High Schools rowing squad.  With this being my last season rowing in the Schools Championship I was eligible to race in the U18 singles event. In my heat I placed 5th allowing me to progress to the repechage where I secured 3rd place. This meant I was given another race in the quarter final. I placed well enough to earn a position in the C final. Overall I finished 7th in the C final which places me 22nd in New Zealand. I am extremely pleased with this result as last season I finished 31st in the country.

Maadi Cup runs for an entire week each year and is a wonderful environment with a vibrant energy, however, due to COVID-19 restrictions, this years Maadi Cup week was slightly different in format to the usual annual event, with very few spectators allowed. 

Rowing has been great for my fitness and confidence. It has allowed me to travel around New Zealand and meet new people and make a lot of great friendships while also giving me some life-long skills. I look forward to continue with rowing either at a club here in Christchurch or potentially for Otago University once I head down there for my studies.