Tom Murray: The Olympic gold medalist who started rowing for his rugby
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On Tom Murray’s final year of high school, Olympic gold medalist Joseph Sullivan joined Marlborough Boys’ College after winning the men’s double scull in 2012.
âI remember what that gold medal did for me in school. If I can have a similar effect on just one other school kid, it is [all] it’s worth it, âsaid Murray.
The circle had come full on Tuesday. Murray was at Marlborough Boys’ College to celebrate his success after winning gold in the men’s eight row at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
The win marked New Zealand’s first ever Olympic gold in the men’s round of 16 since 1972.
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Marlborough Mayor John Leggett hosted a civic ceremony for Murray in the school hall, where many of the area’s young rowers were keen to meet and chat with their newest Olympic hero.
They were even allowed to try on the gold medal.
SCOTT HAMMOND / Stuff.co.nz
Tom Murray’s family and friends in Marlborough celebrate the New Zealand men’s gold medal in rowing eight at the Tokyo Olympics.
Murray said at the event where he received a certificate of appreciation that he only started rowing because he thought it would help him with his rugby.
“My first year of rowing was my last year of rugby,” he said.
âRowing totally determined my life from then on, I trained before school as well as after school.
âI used to have breakfast early in the morning with Nana and Grandpa on the way from the river to school. I would leave the house in the dark in the morning and come home after dark in the evening.
“Those were really important first years.”
Murray, who arrived in Marlborough a little over a week ago, said it was humiliating to hear how his success had affected people.
âI haven’t been to Blenheim for at least three years, maybe five. I see my family on the other side of the world more than in Blenheim, âhe said.
âThey followed me around the world before Covid. But being back to share this with them was very special. “
He said he wanted to say a big “thank you” to the people and businesses of Blenheim who have supported him in the past.
âAnd not just for me, but also for the Blenheim companies that have been supporting sports teams in Blenheim for years. Blenheim couldn’t do sports without the support of the locals, âhe said.
Leggett said it was an honor to gather to recognize Murray’s success.
“Race time, 5 minutes 25 seconds, prep, a decade,” said Leggett.
âThis morning we think about your incredible success as an athlete. As a world champion and as an Olympic champion.
âWe all saw your victory with great excitement. I know other Marlburians were absolutely thrilled to see a Marlborough man at the top of the world who went from Glimmer of Hope to Gold.
âYour sporting awards are impressive. Over the years there have been medals, great performances and excellent athleticism. “
Leggett said he “has no doubt” that Murray inspired young sports stars.
“You are from small town New Zealand and you won gold, what a great message.”
Marlborough Boys’ College principal John Kendal thanked Murray for returning to the school to “inspire a future generation of rowers.”
“If you’re looking to compete in a national sport here with the Marlborough Boys, rowing is probably the way to go,” said Kendal.
âI am often asked by parents how I can keep my son on the right track, and that includes sport. But I think our rowing, in terms of the discipline, the grind, keeping the guys together in unity, is for you [Tom] will testify. “
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