Rowing medalist McAsey grinds for Team NZ

By JULIE ASH

After watching Team New Zealand win the America's Cup in 1995, New Zealand rower Chris McAsey decided he wanted to switch codes and become part of the action.

McAsey finished rowing after the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and took up sailing, crewing on charter boats and studying for his commercial skipper's licence.

He then spent some time working on a large yacht based in the Mediterranean and was planning to return overseas when he got a call from Dean Barker after the last cup.

"I came and trialled with about eight other guys. It was really different. I had been sailing for about six years by then, but it was a whole different kettle of fish.

"There are some similarities with rowing, but with grinding the emphasis is on pure strength, and with rowing there is a bit more focus on aerobic capacity."

Securing a job as a grinder McAsey has bulked up considerably, adding 15kg to his body weight.

"I am loving it. It is more than I ever expected and the time is just going too quickly.

"Now that the cup is getting closer, you don't really have much of a life outside Team New Zealand, but that doesn't matter.

"You look out at the challengers and you really don't know how we are going until we get out there. For now it is just keeping our minds focused on what we are doing here."

Chris McAsey - grinder

Age: 30

Place of birth: Hawera

Nickname: Burgs

Career highlights:

1996: Olympics, New Zealand rowing team reserve.

1995: World rowing champs, coxed four, silver medal.

1990: New Zealand junior eight.

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