9 Sep 2008

Nicky Coles quits rowing

2:11 pm on 9 September 2008

The former world champion Nicky Coles is retiring from competitive rowing.

Coles and Juliette Haigh were fifth in the Beijing final of the women's pair, and were world championship gold medallists three years ago.

The 36-year-old is one of New zealand's most successful rowers domestically and

internationally - and has been a member of the elite squad for 10 years

She plans to continue coaching college rowers and says if she's good at it she'd eventually like to coach at under 23 and elite level.

She'll also lobby politicians for proper funding of elite athletes in all sports.

Rowing New Zealand's chairman Bill Falconer say while it's disappointing to hear Coles is retiring

she will never be far from rowing.