Kayla Imrie

Wellington born and bred, Kayla Imrie made her Olympic debut in Rio de Janeiro as part of the historic New Zealand women's K4 boat.

Now based in Auckland, the Te Whakatohea descendant first represented New Zealand in 2015, joining forces with Jaimee Lovett, Caitlin Ryan and Aimee Fisher to record a series of eye-catching results.

The quartet, coached by Rene Olsen, won the K4 500m at the World Cup round in Portugal and made the final at the world championships in Milan.

Imrie, a product of Newlands College, has a background in surf lifesaving and was the national under-19 ironwoman champion before concentrating on kayaking.

Off the water, Imrie has a biological science degree from the University of Auckland, is a part-time model and teacher aide.