James Lassche

James Lassche started rowing in 2004 at Christ’s College and Avon Rowing Club in Christchurch at the age of 15.

He represented New Zealand for the first time in 2007 when he was selected in the junior men’s eight. The crew won silver at the World Rowing Junior Championships in Beijing, China, which served as a test regatta for the 2008 Olympic course. James then joined Southern Rowing Performance Centre for the 2007/08 domestic season. In 2008 he was selected in the U23 men’s eight, which unfortunately didn’t get to race in their final at the World Rowing Championships after illness struck a crewmate. James switched to lightweight in 2009 and competed in the elite lightweight men’s four. In 2010 he shifted back to U23 level in another lightweight men’s four before being selected to compete in the elite lightweight men’s pair at the 2010 World Rowing Championships at Lake Karapiro. He and his partner had the home crowds roaring when they placed second and earned a silver medal.

James has been in the New Zealand elite rowing team since 2010 and has competed as both heavyweight and lightweight. Some highlights include silver in the lightweight men’s four at the 2013 World Rowing Championships, and 5th at the Rio Olympic Games in the same event. He is now a member of the men’s elite sweep squad. Filling the bow seat of the 2019 men’s eight, James was happy to be part of the World Rowing Cup III bronze medal crew. The men’s eight finished 6th at the 2019 World Championships.

James is an avid cycling fan and is completing a bike mechanic’s course. He is married and has two border collies.