Yet another champion rower has withdrawn from possible selection ahead of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
Former world champion John Storey’s reason for the sudden withdrawal is however of a personal nature. Storey has opted to withdraw from trial s to compete as part of the elite New Zealand men’s team in order to spend time with and focus on his family. The star rower’s daughter, Ava, was earlier this year diagnosed with a rare chromosomal disorder.
Storey’s last significant win was in the men’s double sculls at the 2017 World Championships when he and fellow doubles rower Chris Harris won gold for New Zealand in Florida. They did so despite numerous injury-related challenges. The pair also went on to bring back the bronze medal from the following year’s world championships, that year hosted by Bulgaria.
His decision has sparked conversations in the New Zealand sports betting community.
Speaking on the challenge that now lies ahead of his family, Storey said that the plan had always been to gun for selection for Tokyo and retire shortly after. He is currently at the very peak of his performance and career, he explained, and despite the decision to retire early, remains filled with gratitude for having had the wonderful opportunity of representing New Zealand for the past 10 years. He thanked his teammates, NZ staff, and coaches for their support – support and relationships he said made his career immensely enjoyable.
Fans of cycling betting will be keenly watching his future endeavors.
Storey is a mechanical engineer by trade and now plans on completing his doctorate with Auckland University and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. The star rower said he hoped to achieve this over the next few months.
| # | Site | Bonus | Bet | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Betway |  | 5/5 | Up to $60 NZD | Bet now Review |
| 2 |  | Picklebet | | 4.9/5 | Login to see promotions | Bet now Review |
| 3 |  | Palmerbet | | 4.8/5 | 100% Match | Bet now Review |
More About Gary Hicks
When it comes to knowing what’s going on, on the track, field or any other sporting arena, Gary Hicks is your man. With an almost unrivalled passion for journalism, sports and betting Gary decided to combine his love of all 3 and share his expertise with the world.
In the last few years Gary has risen through the ranks and prides himself on always keeping a finger on the pulse of what’s hot and happening in the sports betting world. Gary is the resident news expert at OnlineBettingNZ.co.nz and his articles make for invaluable fodder for any avid punter.
You May Also Like:
Olympic Rower Hamish Bond Retires
Hamish Bond has announced his retirement from the world of competitive rowing. A three-time gold medallist, Bond is widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s greatest Olympians of all time. ….
Zoe McBride Announces Shock Early Retirement
Yet another shock early retirement announcement has come from the world of competitive rowing. Multiple world champion lightweight rower Zoe McBride, 25, has announced that she won’t be competing at ….
Paddler Forfeits Olympics Over Safety Fears
A world class paddler has walked away from her Olympic dream by declaring herself unavailable for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. New Zealand paddler and Olympic contender Aimee Fisher has reportedly ….
Plovdiv 2018 Eights Preview
The 2019 World Rowing Championships are ready to start, and will include a number of top teams and rowers from around the world set to take on the Eights against ….