In Memoriam – Eric Verdonk
Rowing NZ acknowledges the sad passing of former Olympian Eric Verdonk, who passed away on 3 April, 2020.
Eric had a long international rowing career covering two Olympic Games, five World Rowing Championships and a Commonwealth Championships.
His first representation was in the single scull at the 1987 World Rowing Championships in Copenhagen. The highlight for Eric’s career was a bronze medal in the single scull at the Seoul Olympics in 1988 and a very close 4th at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. Between Seoul and Barcelona, Eric attended three World Rowing Championships and gained another bronze medal in 1990 at Lake Barrington, Tasmania. He achieved further success in 1994 at the Commonwealth Championships in Ontario, Canada where he achieved a gold in the double and a Bronze in the quadruple sculls. Eric also competed in the double at the 1994 World Rowing Championships at Indianapolis.
Earlier this year, the New Zealand Rowing Foundation awarded Eric with a Legacy Medal in celebration of his contribution to the history of New Zealand rowing.
Rowing NZ extends its sincere condolences to Eric’s family and his many friends.