Pulling ahead of his age
Not everyone coming to Maadi this year has as much experience as they might like. But for one competitor that’s not something he spends time worrying about.
He is 13, he’s been rowing for just six months, it’s his first Maadi, and he’s competing in the U18 novice double.
Does he feel nervous? Hell no.
Joe Graham is the youngest in his Burnside High School squad, and at just 13 he will be competing in four different events, all above his age group: the U15 double, a light-weight double, the U17 quad, and the U18 novice double.
This year’s Maadi competitors had better watch out for the young talent travelling up from Christchurch.
When selecting Burnside’s rowing squad for Maadi this year coach, Sophie Gilchrist, said they could only take the best rowers because of travel costs.
“At last year’s Maadi we took 24 pupils, this year we are only taking seven.”
So, to be selected is a big deal.
When it comes to competing and training with older kids Joe says he does not notice the age difference. In fact, he feels good about competing above his age group because it shows him he is good enough.
Joe first started rowing because it was something his sister did. He said because of her “I tried it and found out I was good at it”.
When talking about how he balances school work with rowing and his social life Joe says simply that “rowing takes priority”. He also believes that his squad provides him with enough of a social life.
“The squad is small so we all get along well.”
Joe started rowing six months ago and now trains with his squad six times a week out on the water at Kerrs Reach after school, as well as two morning trainings a week.
This will be his first Maadi Cup and, with his ambitions to be a professional rower, it is likely to be the first of many.
