Rob represented New Zealand at the Atlanta Olympics and published ‘The Naked Rower’ on how he and Phil Stubbs captured headlines around the world winning the grueling and inaugural Atlantic Rowing Race in 41 days. He then led successful defenses of the title in 2001 and 2003 and helped the 2005 entry that withdrew after a shark attack and boat capsize.
He is co-organiser of ‘The Great Race’, an annual rowing 8s clash between Waikato and Cambridge/Oxford/Harvard/Washington Universities on the Waikato River and he recently put together the rematch between Mahe Drysdale and Beijing Olympic champion Olaf Tufte. His latest project is a rowing race across the Tasman Sea.
Rob’s presentation on the trials and tribulations of ocean rowing and related projects is humorous yet motivational. He will inspire you to pursue your dreams whatever they may be, to take on new challenges, overcoming hardship against the odds and know that with passion anything is possible! It doesn’t hurt to be just a little bit crazy too! Rob’s life is about following the dream, decision making, commitment, team building, goal setting, planning, focus, determination, positive thinking and, of course, winning!
