After Maadi
In the first of our series exploring the pathways available after school rowing, we shine a spotlight on University of Otago medical student Ged Wall, who last month represented New Zealand at the World University Rowing Championships in London, Ontario.
Ged Wall had initially planned to follow his school rowing career with a rowing scholarship at a US university. But after being accepted into medical school at the University of Otago, his plans changed. Rather than leaving rowing behind, however, Ged found a way to combine his studies with the sport he loves - and has enjoyed an inspiring next chapter of his rowing career.
Training out of the Otago University Rowing Club, Ged partnered with Alex Fletcher in the men’s double sculls at the World University Rowing Championships. It was an unexpected opportunity, but one he believes is an important pathway for other rowers looking to continue the sport after leaving school.
“To potentially make the World University team is a pathway which more clubs and rowers need to be aware of,” he explains. “It is an option which allows people to continue to study in New Zealand and row at a high level and work towards a big goal.”
Ged with double sculls partner Alex Fletcher and coach/dad Justin Wall at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World University Rowing Championships.
Raised in Ashburton, Ged was almost born to row.
His father, Justin Wall, is a prominent rowing coach, while his older sister Veronica is now a New Zealand international. Ged first took up the sport in Year Nine and quickly embraced its structure, discipline and fitness benefits.
He enjoyed early success, winning a silver medal in the U17 and U18 grade at the South Island Secondary Schools Rowing Championships.
“From a young age I was often down at Twizel for regattas,” explains Ged. “Having a dad who was a coach was good - he made sure we trained hard and the sport gave me good discipline.”
Initially motivated by the prospect of a US rowing scholarship, Ged’s plans changed when he was accepted into medical school. Now in his fourth year at the University of Otago, he largely trains by himself, fitting his rowing around a demanding study schedule.
On a typical morning, he drives to the rowing club and completes a session before biking to university for study. Later in the day, he bikes back to the rowing club for a second session before driving home.
“I train on the harbour, and the Otago University Rowing Club has good facilities,” Ged explains.
His bigger achievements in the sport have come during his post-school career. A former New Zealand U21 and Summer Performance Hub rower today he competes for Waikato Rowing Club. Earlier this year Ged was part of their gold-medal-winning club eight at the New Zealand Rowing Championships at Lake Karāpiro. His performances helped earn selection for the World University Rowing Championships.
Ged and his gold-medal-winning club eight at the New Zealand Rowing Championships at Lake Karāpiro. Photo: Picture Show Ltd
Following his selection, he was given a training programme to follow by one of the New Zealand World University Championships coaches Alex Kennedy - which Ged says was another bonus of the opportunity to row at the event.
For the 23-year-old, however, the rewards of continuing to row while studying medicine extend well beyond competition.
He believes the exercise and structure of rowing have played an important role in supporting his mental health and wellbeing, while also positively influencing his studies. But he stresses that making the most of the opportunity requires commitment.
“I would say you need to fully commit. There is no use half-committing and not getting the results because it is not much fun when you are not doing very well.
“But it is important to have people around you that you trust and who support you in your efforts to achieve your goals.”
At the World University Rowing Championships, Ged and Alex Fletcher finished fifth in the B Final of the men’s double sculls. While it was not the result they had hoped for, Ged returned home with valuable experience and renewed motivation.
“It was a good boost, and we only finished 10 seconds off the winners, so it was not too disappointing,” he explains.
“The best part was not necessarily competing in Canada. It was more about being given a pathway to continue to train, targeting an international event and become a better rower.”
Ged also has more international ambitions.
“I’ll try and do this again next year and win selection for the 2027 World University Games,” says.
“Every year there is either a World University Games or World University Championships, so there are great incentives available.”
Steve Landells
Steve Landells is an experienced communications specialist and sportswriter with more than 25 years' experience. He is currently a proud dad of a rower who competes for St Peter's College, Auckland.
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After Maadi
In the first of our series exploring the pathways available after school rowing, we shine a spotlight on University of Otago medical student Ged Wall, who last month represented New Zealand at the World University Rowing Championships in London, Ontario.
Ged Wall had initially planned to follow his school rowing career with a rowing scholarship at a US university. But after being accepted into medical school at the University of Otago, his plans changed. Rather than leaving rowing behind, however, Ged found a way to combine his studies with the sport he loves - and has enjoyed an inspiring next chapter of his rowing career.
Training out of the Otago University Rowing Club, Ged partnered with Alex Fletcher in the men’s double sculls at the World University Rowing Championships. It was an unexpected opportunity, but one he believes is an important pathway for other rowers looking to continue the sport after leaving school.
“To potentially make the World University team is a pathway which more clubs and rowers need to be aware of,” he explains. “It is an option which allows people to continue to study in New Zealand and row at a high level and work towards a big goal.”
Ged with double sculls partner Alex Fletcher and coach/dad Justin Wall at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World University Rowing Championships.
Raised in Ashburton, Ged was almost born to row.
His father, Justin Wall, is a prominent rowing coach, while his older sister Veronica is now a New Zealand international. Ged first took up the sport in Year Nine and quickly embraced its structure, discipline and fitness benefits.
He enjoyed early success, winning a silver medal in the U17 and U18 grade at the South Island Secondary Schools Rowing Championships.
“From a young age I was often down at Twizel for regattas,” explains Ged. “Having a dad who was a coach was good - he made sure we trained hard and the sport gave me good discipline.”
Initially motivated by the prospect of a US rowing scholarship, Ged’s plans changed when he was accepted into medical school. Now in his fourth year at the University of Otago, he largely trains by himself, fitting his rowing around a demanding study schedule.
On a typical morning, he drives to the rowing club and completes a session before biking to university for study. Later in the day, he bikes back to the rowing club for a second session before driving home.
“I train on the harbour, and the Otago University Rowing Club has good facilities,” Ged explains.
His bigger achievements in the sport have come during his post-school career. A former New Zealand U21 and Summer Performance Hub rower today he competes for Waikato Rowing Club. Earlier this year Ged was part of their gold-medal-winning club eight at the New Zealand Rowing Championships at Lake Karāpiro. His performances helped earn selection for the World University Rowing Championships.
Ged and his gold-medal-winning club eight at the New Zealand Rowing Championships at Lake Karāpiro. Photo: Picture Show Ltd
Following his selection, he was given a training programme to follow by one of the New Zealand World University Championships coaches Alex Kennedy - which Ged says was another bonus of the opportunity to row at the event.
For the 23-year-old, however, the rewards of continuing to row while studying medicine extend well beyond competition.
He believes the exercise and structure of rowing have played an important role in supporting his mental health and wellbeing, while also positively influencing his studies. But he stresses that making the most of the opportunity requires commitment.
“I would say you need to fully commit. There is no use half-committing and not getting the results because it is not much fun when you are not doing very well.
“But it is important to have people around you that you trust and who support you in your efforts to achieve your goals.”
At the World University Rowing Championships, Ged and Alex Fletcher finished fifth in the B Final of the men’s double sculls. While it was not the result they had hoped for, Ged returned home with valuable experience and renewed motivation.
“It was a good boost, and we only finished 10 seconds off the winners, so it was not too disappointing,” he explains.
“The best part was not necessarily competing in Canada. It was more about being given a pathway to continue to train, targeting an international event and become a better rower.”
Ged also has more international ambitions.
“I’ll try and do this again next year and win selection for the 2027 World University Games,” says.
“Every year there is either a World University Games or World University Championships, so there are great incentives available.”
Steve Landells
Steve Landells is an experienced communications specialist and sportswriter with more than 25 years' experience. He is currently a proud dad of a rower who competes for St Peter's College, Auckland.
