This was a momentous occasion for me in many many ways.
- First race as an elite athlete
- First sprint race in Waka ama
- First world championship
- First time representing NZ
- First race as a para athlete
On top of that, this was the first time in the sports history that the championships have been held in Europe.
We heard that the GB team had been stacked with paralympians (4 to be precise, after I did my homework) so NZ opted to change the their teams at the last minute and stack one team to win – hopefully!
I truthfully believe had we not done that – we wouldn’t have won.
Watch the race.. it’s a cracker! I’m in lane 4 (furthest away). GB lane 5, NZ2 in lane 6 (closest).
Melanie Magowan 