Eric Verdonk

Eric Verdonk rowed at two Olympics, winning a bronze medal in single sculls in 1988 and placing fourth in that event at Barcelona in 1992. He also won bronze in singles at the 1986 Commonwealth Games. Verdonk was considered the first great international sculler from New Zealand, who inspired Rob Waddell and Mahe Drysdale, both Olympic gold medallists. Verdonk won 15 national titles in various boats and was the first New Zealander to win the Diamond Sculls event at the Henley Royal Regatta.

Verdonk continued to compete in masters rowing. He was head coach of rowing at the Takapuna Grammar Rowing Club on Auckland’s North Shore. A few weeks before his death he was awarded New Zealand Rowing’s legacy medal for his contribution to the sport.