Five time World Champion Grace Prendergast, 30, has called time on her international rowing career. The two-time Olympian last competed for New Zealand at the 2022 World Rowing Championships in the women’s pair with long-standing partner Kerri Williams (née Gowler), and won gold. Prendergast holds 15 New Zealand National Premier titles, the World Best Time in the women’s pair and four, and two Olympic medals (gold and silver). “Rowing has shaped me into the person I am today and I could never have imagined the impact that it would have on my life. It has been a difficult decision to make, but I know that the time is right for me to step away from high performance rowing,” said Prendergast.
“I achieved more than I ever thought I was capable of and although I’ll miss everything that rowing has given me, I feel I have fulfilled my dreams and am proud of the career I have had. I’m fortunate to have so many amazing memories to look back on and celebrate,” said Prendergast via Instagram and thanked her family, friends, teammates, and coaches, in particular Gary Hay. “I am grateful to so many people but first and foremost Kerri. In the nine years we spent rowing together I’m proud of the combination we formed, the effort we put into achieving our goals, and how we managed every high and low together. Also, everyone involved in the women’s eight programme – it was a special group to be a part of for so many years.”
Prendergast started her rowing career in Christchurch, New Zealand, rowing for Villa Maria College and Avon Rowing Club. She first represented New Zealand at the 2010 World Rowing Junior Championships in the coxless four, winning gold with teammates Eve Macfarlane, Jenny Storey and Bea Heaphy-Hall. Two years later Prendergast was part of the Under 23 women’s four that finished fourth in Trakai, Lithuania. She made her senior debut in the women’s eight at the 2013 World Rowing Cup I in Sydney, Australia, and competed at the 2013 World Rowing Championships, in Chungju, South Korea.
The Lake of the Gods was the scene for Williams and Prendergast to make their debut appearance in the women’s pair at the 2014 World Rowing Cup III in Lucerne, Switzerland. The duo finished in second place, just 2 seconds behind the dominant British crew of Heather Stanning and Helen Glover. Prendergast and Kerri were crowned 2014 Under 23 Rowing World Champions, later that season and at the senior World Rowing Championships won gold in the women’s four and set a World Best Time that remains unbeaten.
