Jane Schellekens, aged 21, has been passionate about rowing from a young age, captivated by its blend of individual discipline and teamwork. Her journey in rowing, nurtured by a coach who valued personal excellence within a team, led her to win national titles in the senior pair, four, and eight in 2023, setting records in the four and eight, and securing the U22 pair title in 2024. Jane excelled academically at Canterbury Uni, achieving a perfect final-year GPA and engaging in social justice pursuits, as Vice President of Thursdays in Black. Selected for the NZ U23 team, she is set to compete at the World Rowing Champs in Canada. This grant supports her participation and ambitions to medal, join the elite rowing squad, and pursue a master’s degree in social policy. Jane’s long-term goals include competing in the LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympics.