Olympic gold medallist Tom Mackintosh is relishing the challenge of of a new event as he heads to his second Olympic Games.
In 2021 Mackintosh was one of the youngest members of the New Zealand men's eight that won gold in a stunning race at the Tokyo Olympics.
The following year Mackintosh moved into the men’s pair, before taking some time away from the sport. In 2023 he moved into one of New Zealand’s most hallowed boats, the single scull – and is set to represent New Zealand in the discipline at the Paris Olympic Games.
“It’s certainly different – in the crew boats if you’re having a bad day you can lean on your mate but obviously in the single I don’t have that luxury!” said Mackintosh.
“I’m learning lots and really enjoying it. I’m finding the limits of my own personal motivations and I’m loving the challenges involved and trying to find unique ways to make the boat go as fast as possible.”
With little over a year in the boat pre-Olympics, Macktinosh admits it has been a steep learning curve. However, the 27-year-old has impressed internationally, winning bronze at the World Championships in 2023.
“My goal has always been to make the boat go as fast as I can, if that results in a medal in Paris, fantastic, but I’ll be happy with the result as long as I feel like I’ve given everything I can.”
Mackintosh says he’s spoken to New Zealand Olympic single scull legends Rob Waddell and Mahe Drysdale as he’s taken on the challenge of the new boat.
“I get a little nervous looking at New Zealand pedigree sometimes but I’m looking to forge my own pathway while learning from the athletes who came before me.”
With friends and family unable to travel to Tokyo to support Mackintosh at the last Olympics due to Covid restrictions, he says he’s looking forward to sharing the experience this time around.
“It’s looking like it’s going to be an amazing Games and I can’t wait to have friends and family there who’ve been an incredible support to me during my rowing career.”
The men’s single sculls competition begins on July 27th.