Isla Blake Aims for Olympic Glory at World Rowing Championships

Isla Blake, a 26-year-old rower from New Zealand, is set to make her mark at the World Rowing Championships in Shanghai this weekend. Competing in the women’s coxless four and the mixed eight, she aims to secure a seat on the Olympic team, targeting the prestigious Olympic rings tattoo she hopes to earn one day.

Blake’s journey to this moment has been anything but conventional. With a degree in environmental and ocean sciences and experience as a barista, she has also campaigned against fast fashion. After years of personal and athletic development, she is now fully committed to rowing, determined to give her “best crack” at reaching the Olympics.

A Historic First in Rowing

At the championships, Blake will participate in the mixed eight, a groundbreaking event that combines both male and female rowers. This initiative is part of a broader effort by World Rowing to promote gender equality in the sport. Although the mixed double and eight events will not debut at the Los Angeles Games in 2028, they are set for introduction in Brisbane in 2032.

Blake, who occupies the bow seat in the mixed eight, highlights the unique challenges of balancing the different strengths of male and female rowers. “It’s about harnessing the power the men bring to the boat while holding onto the finesse that women typically have in their stroke,” she explains. “Each rower brings their own strengths, and we have to find a way to work together effectively.”

Blake and her teammates, including Juliette Lequeux, Becky Leigh, and Alana Sherman, are also racing in the women’s coxless four. This combination has shown promise, achieving a bronze medal in Lucerne earlier this year during the World Cup series.

A Passion for Rowing and Environmental Advocacy

Isla Blake’s passion for rowing was ignited by her older sister Merrin, who introduced her to the sport at the Hamilton Rowing Club. Despite excelling in cross country at Hamilton Girls’ High School, Blake chose to compete for the Hamilton club instead. Her pursuit of rowing excellence led her to apply for the Under-18 North versus South team, which required participation in secondary school events. This decision ultimately opened doors to further opportunities.

Blake spent time in the United States on a scholarship at the University of San Diego. There, she excelled academically and athletically, winning conference titles and competing in major regattas. Reflecting on her time abroad, she stated, “It was a bit scary – I felt like I was giving up my dream to row for New Zealand. But I ended up going to the US and loving it.”

Upon returning to New Zealand in 2022, Blake balanced her rowing ambitions with her role as a barista, training rigorously to earn a spot in Rowing New Zealand’s 2023-24 summer squad. Under the mentorship of renowned coach Dick Tonks, she quickly made a name for herself, partnering with Lequeux to secure victories.

The coxless four team is now focused on their performance in Shanghai, drawing on their recent achievements. “We were really stoked with how we not only gave it a good first crack in Varese, then managed to step on again in Lucerne,” Blake recalls. “Everything felt like it fell into place.”

Blake acknowledges the competitive nature of rowing, especially with established Olympians taking a break in 2025, which has opened the door for emerging talent. “We can track our progression, then compare it to the data of the previous crews, some legends in the sport,” she notes. “It keeps you accountable and wanting more.”

Blake also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced life outside of rowing. She volunteers at the Waikato Environment Centre, contributing to campaigns that address the social and environmental costs of fast fashion. This commitment to environmental advocacy remains close to her heart, as she continues to pursue her athletic goals.

Blake’s journey to the Olympics remains a personal one, marked by determination and resilience. “Year to year, season to season, there are so many factors involved in whether the improvement happens, or whether you stay healthy,” she reflects. “But if you don’t try and chase your dreams, you just end up regretting it.”

As she prepares for the races ahead, Blake is keeping her aspirations in check. Although she dreams of tattooing the Olympic rings on her body, she remains focused on achieving her goals first. “The girls have been asking if I’ll get them drawn plain,” she says. “But I’m like, ‘We’ve got to get ourselves there first.’ That’s the first goal. We can worry about the tattoo later.”