New Zealand U19 Development Team on the Podium in the United States
The inaugural International Rowing Challenge (IRC) delivered elite-level action from start to finish this past week in Ypsilanti, Michigan, uniting U19 athletes from New Zealand, the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Contested over 1500 meters and emphasising small boat proficiency, the IRC not only showcased global up-and-coming talent—but also underscored the reliability and performance of King Racing and WinTech Racing boats across disciplines.
Men's 2x
WinTech boats left a powerful mark on the sculling events, especially in the tight, tactical races that define youth international development. In the men’s double sculls, the South Island combination of Harrison Thode (Dunstan Arm Rowing Club) and Seb Watson (Wakatipu High School) raced in a WinTech Competitor 2x- and brought home gold by just 0.51 seconds over Mexico.
Photo: USRowing
Men's 4+
The success didn't end for Harrison and Seb as these two young Kiwis went on to also earn a bronze medal with their teammates in the tightly contested Men's Coxed Four. The top three boats were separated by 1.61 seconds in a high-intensity final that highlighted both athleticism and the King SE responsiveness with both gold and bronze medals being earned in the King SE 4+. The New Zealand crew included athletes from both the North and South Island.
Photo: USRowing
George Langley (Westlake Boys High School), George Young (Christs College), Harrison Thode (Dunstan Arm Rowing Club), Seb Watson (Wakatipu High School), & Cox Flynn Wigglesworth (WestLake Boys High School)
Women's 4+
Adding to the Kiwi medal tally, the New Zealand women were victorious over the United States with a substantial margin of 3.32 seconds while racing in a WinTech International 4+. The crew hailed from the North Island.
Photo: USRowing
Charlotte Mawston (WestLake Girls High School), Maeve Lockett (WestLake Girls High School), Eva van der Zouwe (Whanganui Collegiate), Georgia Kendrick (Sacred Heart Girls School), and Cox Flynn Wigglesworth (WestLake Boys High School).
Congratulations to all of the New Zealand athletes on representing our country and your successes overseas!
At a Glance: Winning Boats by Brand
Source: www.WinTechKing.com
Photo: USRowing
