2017 U23 Rowing World Championships 2017

My name is Ollie Maclean and I have been selected to represent New Zealand again, this time at the U23 World Rowing Championships being held in Plovdiv, Bulgaria in July 2017.

I have been chosen into the Mens U23 Coxless Quad alongside three other rowers from around New Zealand. This has been a goal of mine for several years now and I have been working hard over the last season to achieve this goal.

This year is my fifth rowing season, however two of those seasons have been reduced due to significant injuries that prevented me from rowing until mid-way through the season. First was the re-attachment of the tendon in my middle finger and the second sports injury required reconstructive shoulder surgery. Coming back from these injuries taught me about hard work, dedication and that if you want something enough you give your all and fight for it.

Rowing has changed my life completely. It has taught me many valuable lessons in life, has given me endless opportunities, and opened up future pathways. It has already taken me to many regatta’s in spectacular locations around New Zealand, as well as internationally too.

Our New Zealand U23 Team has assembled in Cambridge, Hamilton where we are living and training for the next 11 weeks. We are currently training along the Elite New Zealand crews before they head off to World Cup II.

The Under 23 Team will depart Karapiro for Plovdiv on the 9th of July, train and acclimatise in the European conditions, and start racing on the 20th July against the best competing crews from around the world.

I would really appreciate your support in representing New Zealand and being an ambassador for this amazing sport that is providing such an exceptional start in life for young New Zealanders.

The costs of training in Cambridge and performing overseas in Plovdiv are well in excess of NZ$10,000 so any help you can provide would be much appreciated.