Born: 1989 (Tauranga, New Zealand)
Biography:
Dame Lisa Marie Carrington DNZM, born on June 23, 1989, is a flatwater canoeist and New Zealand’s most successful Olympian, with a remarkable record of five gold medals and one bronze medal. She has left an indelible mark on the world of canoeing, showcasing her exceptional talent and drive for excellence.
Carrington’s journey began in Tauranga, where she was raised in Whakatāne, a satellite town in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. She is of Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki and Ngāti Porou descent, along with European ancestry. Carrington attended Whakatane High School and later pursued her education at Massey University in Albany. As a child, she excelled in netball and aspired to represent New Zealand as a Silver Fern.
Carrington’s rise to prominence in the sport of canoeing began to take shape in 2009 when she won a bronze medal alongside Teneale Hatton in the women’s K1 1000 meters event at the World Cup regatta in Szeged, Hungary. This accomplishment laid the foundation for what would become an illustrious career.
In 2010, Carrington and Hatton achieved further success by securing the gold medal in the same event at the World Cup regatta in Vichy, France. This notable victory marked their growing dominance on the international stage. The pair continued to make history by becoming the first New Zealanders to reach a World Championship A final at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships in Poznań, Poland. Although they finished ninth in the final of the K2 500 meters, their achievement showcased their immense potential.
The year 2011 proved to be a groundbreaking one for Carrington as she clinched her first-ever gold medal at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships in Szeged, Hungary, in the women’s K1 200 meters event. In doing so, she became the first New Zealand woman to claim a canoeing World Championship title. Carrington’s exceptional performance also secured an Olympic qualification berth for New Zealand, further solidifying her place as a formidable competitor.
Carrington’s talent and tenacity were on full display at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. She represented New Zealand in the K2 500 meters event, finishing seventh alongside Erin Taylor. In the highly anticipated K1 200 meters, Carrington dazzled the world by clinching the gold medal, cementing her status as a rising star in the sport. Additionally, she triumphed in the K1 200 meters and K2 200 meters at the 2012 Oceania Championships, further cementing her reputation as an elite athlete.
The year 2016 witnessed Carrington’s remarkable defense of her gold medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. She showcased her unparalleled skill and unwavering determination, securing her place in history as a back-to-back Olympic gold medalist in the K1 200 meters event. This extraordinary achievement solidified Carrington’s position as one of New Zealand’s most celebrated athletes.
Continuing her extraordinary legacy, Carrington reached new heights at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. She clinched three gold medals, claiming victory in the K1 200 meters for the third consecutive time, as well as in the K2 500 meters event with her crewmate Caitlin Regal. Furthermore, she emerged triumphant as an individual in the K1 500 meters event. Carrington’s unparalleled achievements make her the most successful Olympian in New Zealand’s history.
Beyond her remarkable athletic prowess, Carrington’s impact extends beyond the world of sports. As an inspirational figure, she has motivated aspiring athletes and individuals alike, proving that dedication, hard work, and resilience can lead to extraordinary success. Her influence on society transcends her remarkable achievements, as she continues to inspire generations of women to break barriers and strive for greatness.
Awards:
– 5 Olympic gold medals (2012, 2016, 2020)
– 1 Olympic bronze medal (2020)
– Gold medal at the 2011 Canoe Sprint World Championships
– Māori Senior Sports Woman of the Year Award