Ryan Gass, a former Macleans College rower, is doing all he can for a shot at the Olympics.
Aside from the gruelling travel and training, he needs funding for training in Canada and has set up a Givealittle page.
He rowed for Macleans College from late 2016 until 2021 and had varying levels of success, with one National bronze medal, two North Island silvers, and one North Island bronze during his time there.
From 2020 onwards, he has been rowing at the Auckland Rowing Club with various successes while at the club, winning several medals.
“Last season I was part of the New Zealand under 21 rowing team as the reserve. I, unfortunately, had several health issues during the campaign and was unable to compete to my full potential at the regatta,” said Gass.
“With that behind me, this past season (commencing in September and ending with New Zealand Club Nationals in mid-February), I have been performing well.”
At the North Island Club Championships, he placed 15th in the men’s premier single (racing against the New Zealand elite rowers, including world and Olympic champions), second in the men’s senior single, and third in the men’s senior double.
Going onto nationals, he placed seventh in the men’s under 22 single, sixth in the men’s senior single and third in the men’s senior double.
He raced his double with Jack MacDonald, another former Macleans student.
They were coached by Peter Mills, an ex-elite rowing coach and current NZ Under 21 rowing team coach.
“Throughout the season I had done enough work to be invited to trial for the New Zealand under 23 rowing team,” Gass said.
“After the week-long trial I was accepted into the New Zealand under 23 team as the travelling reserve for the men’s quad.
“This means I’ll be moving down to Cambridge to train at Rowing NZ for four months then travelling to Canada for a month of training and racing.
“This is a huge opportunity for me, and a big step towards my overall goal, which is to represent New Zealand at the Olympics.”
In order to raise funds for this, Gass has created a Givealittle page www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-ryan-gass-row-for-the-nz-under-23-rowing-team.
