McBride decides to call it quits
Multiple world champion lightweight women’s sculler Zoe McBride made a surprise retirement announcement ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.
McBride, 25, was among the favourites to win gold at the postponed Games in Tokyo in the double sculls with crew member Jackie Kiddle.
McBride has won two world championship titles in the lightweight women’s double scull and two golds at the world championships in the lightweight single scull.
‘‘Sport at an elite level can be very challenging, and my own mental wellbeing, and the mental wellbeing of others will remain a focus of mine,’’ McBride said.
‘‘I hope to offer support and guidance in this area to younger athletes in the near future.
‘‘Representing New Zealand has been an absolute honour, and whilst the decision to retire was difficult, it has given me an opportunity to reflect on all that rowing has provided me with. I am very proud of what I have achieved in sport, and I look forward to the next stage of my life.’’
McBride missed out on Olympic selection in the lightweight double sculls in 2016 despite having won the lightweight single world title the previous year.
She and Kiddle won gold in the lightweight double sculls at the 2017 world champs and after a disappointing sixth when defending their title the following year, the duo bounced back to again win gold in 2019.
Rowing NZ High Performance Coach James Coote praised McBride’s nine-year international career, which also featured world titles at age-group level.
‘‘Zoe has had an outstanding career at all levels in our sport, and she has made a courageous decision to retire as a world champion.
‘‘Jackie Kiddle and I support her decision and look forward to seeing her succeed in her future endeavours.’’
McBride will remain based in Cambridge to pursue her career in marketing with a focus on women’s health.
Kiddle and McBride had been named as NZ’s lightweight double sculls women’s crew earlier this year and were expected to be in the boat for the Tokyo Olympics.