Grace Watson | Sport

I hail from Te Whakatohea, Opotiki. I grew up under the Bay of Plenty sunshine and the Waiotahi coast salt air. My parents Lynette Black and Warren Watson, my three younger sisters Ellis, Rebeka, Victoria and I live happily on my mums family dairy farm, Te Ranginui.
At the age of fifteen I broke away from my parents and started boarding school at St Pauls Collegiate, my second home. Although living four hours away from home means I didn’t get to see my family often especially during the rowing season I absolutely loved being independent and un reliant on my parents. I particularly relish the closer relationship I have established with my younger sisters after moving away.
After graduating from secondary school I decided to continue my pathway in rowing and since then have moved into a flat in Cambridge, Leamington. Although boarding school taught me a lot about independence what I was faced with as I stepped into the deadly wide world of adulthood I did not see coming. After an adjusting period I have learnt so much already and have only thrived in this environment. I love it.

I am currently training with the Waikato Regional Rowing Performance Centre. Earlier this year I represented New Zealand in the U23 team competing in Sarasota, Florida and placing 8th in the Coxless Womens four event. A disappointing yet big learning curve for me.

Outside of rowing I love exploring untouched parts of our country with family and friends, food and coffee and being at home on the farm surrounded by fresh air and animals.