Eight-time Olympic champion Lisa Carrington has heralded Gordon Walker as one of New Zealand’s greatest coaches after their golden partnership came to an end.
Walker has been Carrington’s coach since 2010. In that time, Carrington has become New Zealand’s most successful Olympian, winning eight gold medals, and has clinched 15 world titles.
Since 2016, Walker has also overseen the country’s women’s Canoe Sprint programme and guided the women’s kayak four to World Championships success in 2023 and Olympic glory in Paris in 2024.
But Walker has announced his resignation from his role as Head Coach for Canoe Racing New Zealand (CRNZ).
Carrington told CRNZ being coached by Walker for the past 15 years had been both an honour and a privilege.
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“He is without question one of New Zealand’s greatest coaches and I can’t thank him enough for his vision, commitment and belief,” said Carrington who secured a hat-trick of gold medals at Paris 2024 to equal the record Olympic title tally of eight achieved by Germany’s Birgit Fischer.
“I also want to acknowledge the role Gordy’s family played during this time with CRNZ.
“His wife Viv and their children Stella, Lola and Freddie have been a constant source of support.
Walker’s achievements with the Carrington and the New Zealand team have brought him individual acclaim having won Coach of the Year at the Halberg Awards six times and been named Coach of the Decade in 2021.
“It’s hard to name a single reason for stepping aside, other than knowing in my heart that this is the right moment.” said Walker.
“Since 2010, I’ve given everything I have to this sport, because that’s what it demands if you want to succeed at the Olympic level.
“For the past 16 years, there hasn’t been a single day when kayaking hasn’t been on my mind, how to be better, how to win, how to dream further.
“This has never been a nine-to-five job, it’s been a life commitment.
“I’m deeply grateful for everything this sport has given me. I know how fortunate I’ve been.
“I’ve loved every part of it, especially the people, and the relationships I’ve built run deep.
“I’ll always feel connected to the athletes and staff, and I’ll be right behind them, cheering them on in whatever comes next,”
CRNZ CEO Graham Oberlin-Brown says Walker’s contribution to the sport is immense.
“Gordon has been an integral part of CRNZ’s success story, guiding our athletes to world-leading performances and helping establish New Zealand as a global powerhouse in Canoe Sprint,” said Oberlin-Brown.
“His dedication, expertise, and leadership have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
“Whilst Gordon is resigning from the Head Coach position, we know he is keen to ensure a smooth transition through the next few months before the trials next March.”
Oberlin-Brown insisted that Walker’s departure was a “change in leadership, not a change in direction” as New Zealand looks ahead to Olympic Games LA28.
“Our coaches, particularly Chris Mehak have worked very closely with Gordon and the women’s team in 2023 and 2024,” added Oberlin-Brown.
“Chris and the wider team have proven capability to coach Olympic, World Cup, and World Championships gold medal-winning athletes and crews.
“During this transition, we’re focused on maintaining stability and continuity and ensuring our athletes including Lisa Carrington, have the best possible support.
“We will be recruiting for an additional coach to increase the capacity of the coaching team following Gordon’s departure.
“Our high-performance programme is incredibly strong.
“We have a clear roadmap to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
“This is a change in leadership, not a change in direction. Our athletes and programme remain focused on LA 2028 success.”
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