Gold medal winner welcomed back to Marlborough

The Marlborough Boys’ College assembly hall provided a fitting venue for today’s gathering to celebrate and recognise Olympic rower Tom Murray’s gold medal-winning feat in Tokyo.

Tom began his glittering career as part of the school’s rowing programme in 2009, although “reluctantly” at first, according to his former MBC and Blenheim Rowing Club coach Bill Campbell.

“He was a little reluctant to row initially,” recalled Bill, “preferring to concentrate on rugby, but we managed to get him to the river on the premise that rowing would be good for his rugby.

“He was a natural from the start and a dream to coach from that perspective. Rowing was in his blood … and he received wonderful support from his family … the rest is history.

“Tom has put together a very impressive record for New Zealand on the world stage. He is a very humble and worthy champion who hasn’t finished yet. I feel very proud to have been involved in his early learning and rowing.”

Tom also recalled his early reluctance to throw his lot in with the rowing community. After being persuaded to try out on the rowing machine he produced a score good enough to excite the coaches, but immediately declared that he “had absolutely no interest whatsoever in rowing”.

“I don’t think I had even seen a rowing race at that stage. I managed a polite ‘no thank you’ and said, ‘see you next year’. Then, in 2010, I also posted a good score and this time I was not given a choice. I was told to get down to the Wairau River and I haven’t really left since.”

Tom suggested that what set New Zealand athletes apart and allowed them punch above their weight on the world stage was the smalltown support.

“They get right behind their young athletes that are trying to find some direction.

“I am so humbled when I get out the medal now and see how that has affected those that have followed my journey. It is a huge privilege to be able to come back and share that with coaches, teachers, family and friends that have helped me get here.”

This morning’s civil ceremony was organised by the Marlborough District Council.

MBC principal Matua John Kendall opened proceedings with a karakia and was followed to the podium by Marlborough Mayor John Leggett who said the whole province had shared in the excitement of the NZ eight’s victory.

“For you and the crew to go out and win gold for Aotearoa New Zealand was brilliant.

“A Marlborough man on top of the world stage, nailing it. It was the highlight of the Tokyo Olympics for us. You put Marlborough’s name right up there on the sporting map.

“You came from small town New Zealand and achieved the ultimate … what a great message that is for the youth of Marlborough.

“We also acknowledge how important that win was to the whole [NZ Olympic] squad. During these current COVID climates it was a huge boost to national morale and an inspiration to those of us cheering you on from home.

“In these difficult times you and every athlete in Tokyo stood shoulder to shoulder and inspired billions of people around the globe who came together to watch the Games.”

John went on to describe Tom as “a king of Marlborough sport” who “the district is incredibly proud of”.

To cap off the official part of the ceremony Blenheim Rowing Club president Lindsay Fraser presented Tom with life membership of the club.

Several senior rowers from the MBC and MGC squads were on hand to meet Tom, ask questions and ultimately get their hands on the hefty gold medal.

Tom was happy “to get some more fingerprints” on the valued prize.

“That’s what it’s all about,” he added. “I remember getting a chance to see Joseph Sullivan’s [2012] gold medal … it is definitely something that needs to be shared with the community you come from.”