“Life is very different,” says Haigh, who first started rowing at Takapuna Grammar. “At first I found it strange that I didn’t have to be down at the lake twice a day, everyday. I have a lot more time in my day to get things done, and I’ve also loved being able to do all the things I couldn’t do while I was rowing, such as going on holidays, and spending lots of time with my friends and family.”
Haigh’s Dad often participates in the Harcourts Beach Series, and recently Haigh and partner Mahe Drysdale were able to join him for the 1500m ocean swim.
“I have really found a love for swimming and running, and have enjoyed getting out there and doing them! It’s been fun also to train with other people like my Dad and Mahe in something completely different to rowing. I am also keen to get back into water polo, a sport that I absolutely loved when I was at school, and also netball.”
Rowing Olympic gold medallist Drysdale is also currently on a six-month sabbatical, returning to the water in July 2013 to prepare for the Rio Olympics in 2016. Mahe says events like the Harcourts Beach Series are a chance to participate on the same level as everyone else.
“In rowing I am an elite athlete. In the Harcourts Beach Series I am just a weekend warrior taking on a challenge, and trying to perform the best I can. I have no chance of ever winning – it’s all about enjoying it, and improving from week to week.”
While taking a break from rowing, Mahe is keeping busy with other challenges, such as the Coast-to-Coast and the Ironman competition.
“I am hoping I will come back mentally refreshed and ready to devote myself to achieving my goals in Rio; maybe even mentally tougher after some of the challenges I have taken on. I have had such a good break so far, and it’s been great having an opportunity to try so many new things, and go out of my comfort zone on so many different occasions.”
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