The biggest of them, single sculler Emma Twigg, is taking two years out of the sport to base herself in Europe, according to Rowing NZ. Rowing NZ high performance boss Alan Cotter said those taking a break would need to prove themselves before getting back into the elite programme after they return from time out. Rowing NZ are also preparing for a likely change to the gender balance at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. The International Olympic Committee, as part of its Agenda 2020, are pushing for gender balance in rowing in Tokyo. World rowing body Fisa has been consulting with national federations for 18 months.

Source: New Zealand Herald September 26, 2016 16:07 UTC