The New Zealand Beach Sprint National Team is preparing to compete in the World Rowing Coastal Championships & Beach Sprint Finals in Genoa, scheduled from September 6th to 15th and included in the Genoa European Capital of Sport 2024 program, with high expectations and renewed determination.

This event in Genoa represents an important opportunity to refine the team’s techniques and strategies. Many of the athletes will be visiting Genoa for the first time, and they have expressed their excitement not only to compete but also to immerse themselves in the culture and energy of the city. The New Zealand team considers this aspect fundamental for the growth and development of the athletes, both on and off the water.

The team is composed of a dynamic mix of active athletes and those returning to rowing with a renewed passion for the coastal discipline. Among the veterans, Joe Sullivan, gold medalist at the London 2012 Olympics, and Kristen Froude stand out, both providing great experience and leadership within the team. On the front of current talents, Emma Twigg shines for her exceptional performance at Paris 2024, where she won a silver medal. She is joined by Jackie Kiddle and Matt Dunham, pillars of New Zealand’s lightweight program for many years, and current world champions in the mixed double in beach sprint.

Additionally, noteworthy is the presence of New Zealand’s first Junior Coastal Rowing Team. A group of young athletes who will train alongside the elite, offering an extraordinary opportunity to learn from the best in the field and grow in preparation for upcoming regattas.

Brook Robertson, coach of the New Zealand Beach Sprint team, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this year’s squad: “I couldn’t be more excited about the group of athletes we have for this year’s Coastal and Beach Sprint World Championships. There has been a significant push from these athletes themselves to grow and develop coastal rowing in New Zealand, supported by true legends working at the grassroots level. We approach these regattas with an open mind, eager to learn in a discipline that offers so many opportunities for growth and discovery. As a coach, I am particularly excited to see how we will measure up against the rest of the world, while also gathering insights that will help propel New Zealand’s coastal rowing teams forward in the coming years. This year’s experience is a crucial step as we look ahead to key events like the 2026 Youth Olympic Games and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The passion and commitment of our team are evident, and I believe we are on the right track to achieving something special”.

With the support of an experienced and motivated coach and a close-knit team, New Zealand is ready to make its mark in Genoa and build the future of the discipline in the country.