World and Olympic rowing champion Rob Waddell has been named Chef de Mission for the New Zealand Summer Olympic and Commonwealth Games Teams.
Waddell won Olympic gold in 2000 and is a two-time World Champion and in recent years has been a part of Team New Zealand's sailing campaign.
Waddell says his appointment to the Chef de Mission role is a once in a lifetime opportunity. And coming off the back of New Zealand's most successful Olympic Games ever, he's determined that will continue.
He says his own Olympic experience will be critical in his new role. Waddell's been to three Games, once as a wide-eyed first-timer, once as a champion and again as an athlete struggling to meet expectations.
Waddell's role with the New Zealand Olympic Team will not impact on existing Team New Zealand commitments.
Waddell will be New Zealand's 18th Chef de Mission for the Summer Olympic Games. He replaces Dave Currie, who stood down after London 2012.
