Help Lily Curnow Row for New Zealand in Italy

Photo Credit - Riaan Schmulian

I’m Lily Curnow and I'm 18 years old and a Year 13 student at Mount Albert Grammar School.

I have been selected for the under 19 New Zealand Coastal Rowing Team, competing in the World Championships in Genoa, Italy in September 2024.

This is the biggest opportunity yet for my rowing career and comes after a successful season, winning the U18 pair at North Island Secondary Schools Championships, and coming 2nd in the U18 pair at New Zealand Secondary Schools Maadi Cup.

I will be competing in the quad and the double. Right now we're training really hard on our own, completing on-water sessions, ergs, bikes and strength and conditioning sessions to get ourselves ready for Italy. The coastal team has been a part of two Nelson-based training camps, working predominantly on our transitions and our turning. The next five weeks will be our last weeks of training hard before the regatta - before we fly out in early September.

Rowing has been a big part of my life since it was introduced to me in Year 9, and since joining, | have gained some of my best friends and most treasured memories. Coaches and peers have played a key role, with many individuals contributing towards my development. The support of volunteers and parents through West End Rowing Club and Mount Albert Grammar School has been overwhelming, and I am so fortunate and grateful.

I have a huge passion for the sport and feel proud to represent my country.