AIMES awards submissions closing on 19 January 2024

MICHAEL BRAKE

Sport Award 2015

Rowing (21 years old) | SPONSORED BY AUT MILLENNIUM

A former Westlake Boys High School pupil, Michael first began rowing through Westlake Boys in 2008 where he quickly developed a passion for the sport. In his final year at school, in 2012, Michael was selected to compete for New Zealand in the junior men’s coxed four, where they won gold.

His successes continued with top placings in the Under 20, Under 22 and Premier Men’s teams with gold and silver medals at nearly every event. In 2014, Michael was named Auckland Junior Male Rower of the Year and shortly after was selected for the New Zealand summer squad at Elite level.

After further competition achievements, Michael was chosen as a member of the New Zealand Men’s Elite Eight in 2015, the only new crew member and also one of the youngest.

In September, Michael and the Elite Eight team secured New Zealand’s place in the 2016 Rio Olympics at the World Championships.

Michael’s top rowing performances are also balanced with a Bachelor of Engineering degree through Auckland University where he works hard to maintain an A- average.

His gruelling training regime has recently required a relocation to Cambridge where he trains with the other Olympic qualifying teams working to retain his spot in the squad heading into the Olympics next year.


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