Coach crew changes at Rowing NZ
Gary Hay has been appointed as coach of the women’s sweep squad focusing on the women’s eight, and remains coach for the women’s pair. Mike Rodger will coach the lightweight women’s single along with the men’s and women’s single, and James Coote will coach the women’s double and lightweight women’s double. Marion Horwell will return to the elite team coaching the women’s four.
Simon Peterson, Chief Executive announced to Rowing NZ staff and athletes earlier today that he has accepted current women’s sweep coach Dan Kelly’s resignation.
‘’Since returning to New Zealand after the 2017 World Rowing Championships in Sarasota, I have come to the conclusion that the commitments required of my role, including spending 3 months in Europe, are not something I can honour for a further two years. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the athletes I have been working with over the last two years, and they are very deserving of continuity ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. For this reason I have offered my resignation ahead of our upcoming international tour so they are able to approach Tokyo with a familiar coach.’’ Dan Kelly
Dan has coached international crews with Rowing NZ since 2008, and joined the elite team in 2017 where he has remained with the women’s eight. ‘’Dan has been an integral part of our coaching team and a staff member we had hoped would remain with us for another Olympic cycle. In a high performance environment the demand on our coaches is incredibly high, and we acknowledge that our coach’s families miss out on valuable time with them, as do other personal interests and business opportunities.’’ Simon Peterson
Marion returns to the elite team from Central Rowing Performance Centre (RPC). Marion’s previous coaching accomplishments include a World Best Time in the women’s four at the 2014 World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and gold in the women’s pair at the 2014 World Rowing U23 Championships in Varese, Italy.