Relax and enjoy it, Maadi gold medallist tells this year’s athletes
Maadi gold medallist Georgia Allen has wise words for this year’s rowers – get out there and enjoy it.
NZ junior rowing squad member and a 2014 Maadi gold medallist Georgia Allen will be on the banks this week cheering on her old school.
Georgia won gold for Hamilton Girls’ High in the U18 Single Scull.
She has since gone on to row for NZ at the World Junior Rowing Championships in Germany, placing 6th in the Junior Women’s Quad Scull.
“I [have] accomplished some pretty cool things thanks to the absolutely amazing support of the HGHS team and most importantly the time and effort [coaches] Scott Wilson and Abbe Banks put into helping me reach all the goals I had set out for myself.”
What advice would she give to those competing at Maadi?
“Stay relaxed and know that you’ve done all the work and preparation leading up to it. All that needs to be done now is putting all that training into a good race.
“Also – really enjoy it, the incredible atmosphere that Maadi brings is really unique and you’ll remember it for years to come.”
Georgia says rowing is a time consuming sport and that it would not be possible for rowers to achieve their goals without the tireless dedication of the coaches, parents, and supporters involved.
She acknowledges the mantra that a successful Maadi athlete must commit to dedication and sacrifice.
for Georgia Allen. Photo: Supplied
But, most importantly, it takes a great passion and love for the sport.
It is hard to find the motivation for all those early mornings and to keep striving to improve yourself without that love, Georgia says.
