Rower Hamish Bond Retires After Three Olympic Golds

Dunedin-born Hamish Bond, 35, has announced his retirement from rowing, bringing down the curtain on a glittering career during which he became the first New Zealand man to win gold at three consecutive Olympics, Reuters reports in a story published by The Guardian.

Bond, who is also an eight-time world champion, said he had known for a while that it was the right time to hang up his oars.

His career culminated in Tokyo six months ago when he led New Zealand to victory in the men’s eight.

“It does feel strange saying that I’m retiring but I feel very fortunate to be walking away while at the top of the sport,” Bond said.

He made a transition from rowing to road cycling after the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics competing in the road time trial.

Original article by Reuters, The Guardian, January 27, 2022.