Rob Waddell Joins Team New Zealand

Media Release:
14th FEBRUARY

ROB WADDELL JOINS TEAM NEW ZEALAND

Olympic Gold medal winner Rob Waddell has joined Team New Zealand. The 26-year-old rower signed a contract yesterday afternoon and now begins full-time training as a grinder with the kiwi sailing team during their current trials for the America's Cup in 2003.

Waddell says he still wants to represent New Zealand in rowing at the next Olympics in Athens in 2004; but for at least the next two years he is committed to Team New Zealand.

During the last three months Team New Zealand has evaluated a select group of elite athletes from various sports in an effort to add strength to the sailing team. Most of the athletes, including Waddell, have not previously been involved in competitive sailing.

The athletes were tested for fitness, strength and their performance on a pedestal grinding rig; several have also been trialling on the Team New Zealand yachts.

In confirming the new signing today, skipper Dean Barker said significant factors in selecting Waddell over other worthy contenders had been his proven athletic ability, his strength and his determined attitude towards winning. Waddell has already had ten days sailing with Team New Zealand during his evaluation trials on the Hauraki Gulf.

14th February 2000

For further information please contact:

Murray Taylor
Media & Communications
Team New Zealand

Telephone: (09) 303 2000
Mobile: 025 294 7930

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