Olympic gold medallist, America's Cup winner and team leader

Overview

Rob Waddell ONZM is one of New Zealand's most decorated Olympians. Sydney 2000 single sculls champion, two-time world champion rower, America's Cup grinder and long-serving Chef de Mission of the NZ Olympic Team, Rob brings rare perspective on what it takes to win and lead under pressure.

Who is Rob Waddell? Rob won single sculls gold at Sydney 2000, was World Champion in 1998 and 1999 and was the first Halberg Sportsperson of the Year three years running. He represented NZ at three Olympic Games. From 2013 to 2021 he served as Chef de Mission for the New Zealand team at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 and the Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Career Highlights • 2000 Sydney Olympic gold medallist, men's single sculls • Two-time World Rowing Champion in the single sculls, 1998 and 1999 • Chef de Mission of the New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games teams, 2013 to 2021 • Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rowing, 2001 • Three-time consecutive Halberg Sportsperson of the Year • America's Cup grinder for Emirates Team New Zealand at three campaigns

Key Speaking Themes • High performance, mindset and elite preparation • Leading large teams under pressure • Reinvention: from rowing to sailing and back • Sports governance and the business of high performance • Resilience, recovery and long-term excellence

What Your Audience Will Gain Rob combines an Olympic champion's edge with the perspective of a leader who has run the country's biggest sporting teams. Audiences leave with practical insights on excellence, teamwork and the moments that matter.

Ideal For • Sales kick-offs and high-performance events • Leadership and team offsites • Sporting and charity events • Governance and board forums • Universities, schools and youth conferences

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Rob Waddell speak about? High performance, leadership, teamwork, resilience and the realities of competing and leading at the Olympic level.

What did Rob Waddell win at the Olympics? He won gold in the men's single sculls at Sydney 2000 — New Zealand's only gold medal at those Games.

Did Rob Waddell sail in the America's Cup? Yes. He was a grinder for Emirates Team New Zealand across three America's Cup campaigns, including the 2013 Louis Vuitton Cup winning team.

When was Rob Waddell Chef de Mission of the New Zealand Olympic team? He held the role from 2013 to 2021, leading NZ at Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and the Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

What honours has Rob Waddell received? He was made an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit in 2001 and won the Halberg Sportsperson of the Year three years running.

Is Rob Waddell available for keynotes and panels? Yes. Rob is regularly booked for keynote speeches, panels and MC roles at corporate, leadership and sporting events.