Hamish Bond, born in Dunedin in 1986, established himself as a dominant presence in international rowing and road cycling. A three-time Olympic gold medallist, his career spans successful tenures in the coxless pair, the men's eight, and elite time trial events, culminating in a role as a cyclor for the America's Cup defence.
Rowing Dominance
Bond gained early recognition as part of the New Zealand coxless four that secured a world championship title in 2007. His partnership with Eric Murray became a defining fixture in the sport, marked by an undefeated streak beginning in 2009. The pair claimed gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio Olympics. Beyond these feats, Bond secured six consecutive World Rowing Championships gold medals in the coxless pair and established world best times for both the coxed and coxless pair events. In 2018, he received the Thomas Keller Medal, the highest honour granted by the International Rowing Federation.
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Following the 2016 Summer Olympics, Bond focused on professional road cycling. He earned a bronze medal in the time trial at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Queensland and secured first place in the elite men's time trial at the New Zealand National Road Championships during the same year. His cycling career also saw him claim gold at the 2018 Oceania Championships. His versatility was later demonstrated when he transitioned to sailing, serving as a cyclor for Emirates Team New Zealand during their 2024 America's Cup campaign.
Tokyo and Retirement
Returning to the water for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Bond joined the men's eight, a crew that qualified for the Games via the Last Chance Regatta in 2021. The team successfully won the gold medal in Tokyo. Bond officially retired from rowing in January 2022. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Business Studies in finance and a Graduate Diploma in Personal Financial Planning from Massey University, credentials earned after his time at Otago Boys' High School.
Fast facts
- Born: 1986, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Education: Otago Boys' High School; Massey University
- Olympic Gold Medals: 3
- Thomas Keller Medal: 2018
- Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit: 2013
- Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit: 2022
- 2024 America's Cup role: Cyclor
Questions readers ask
How many Olympic gold medals did Hamish Bond win?
He won three Olympic gold medals: one in London 2012, one in Rio 2016, and one in Tokyo 2020.
What academic qualifications does Hamish Bond hold?
He holds a Bachelor of Business Studies with a major in finance and a Graduate Diploma in Personal Financial Planning from Massey University.
