I have been over in Madison, Wisconsin at Wisconsin University for almost 3 months training for the summer. I am working towards selection for a freshman four to race at the Head of Charles later this year, and then later our regional “Big 10 Conference” and later the National NCAA Championships in 2016.
My last competition was a silver medal in the women’s under 20 pair at the NZ Rowing Championships, and gold in the women’s under 20 four.
The support I received from ASPECT during 2014 was hugely appreciated as it contributed towards my NZ Juniors Campaign substantially. Though taking a different path to most athletes The exposure and expertise I gained at juniors, with your help, allowed me to join a high calibre university which will eventually help me to come back and compete for a spot in the New Zealand Rowing team, as well as providing me a valuable experience.
Dear Verna,
Thank you very much for your generous donation to support me on behalf of the ASPECT Trust, as I participated in the 2014 Junior World Rowing Championships and the 2014 Youth Olympic Games.
I was very fortunate to come from a region so willing to support local athletes such as myself. Besides placing 8th and 9th at these respective competitions, I gained a lot more from the experience. Racing at an international level and being able to meet so many young athletes, both locally and overseas, was a unique and vaulable experience, teaching me a lot about other cultures and myself. I hope to continue with my rowing by training as part of the Southern Regional Performance Centre this summer.
Many thanks,
Renee Olly
