New Zealander · Christchurch, New Zealand · Born 13 February 1986New Zealand rower and three-time Olympic gold medalist, widely regarded as one of the greatest rowers in history with seven world championship titles.
Born in Christchurch in 1986, Hamish Bond emerged from New Zealand's rowing programs to become one of the sport's most dominant athletes. He initially pursued cycling before transitioning to rowing, where his exceptional physical attributes and competitive drive quickly distinguished him from his peers. Bond's career reached unprecedented heights through his partnership with Eric Murray in the coxless pair, beginning in 2009. The duo established themselves as the world's premier rowing combination, capturing gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics and 2016 Rio Olympics. Their dominance extended beyond Olympic competition, winning world championship titles and establishing a legendary winning streak that spanned 69 consecutive races without defeat. This remarkable run of success transformed them into one of rowing's most celebrated partnerships. Following Murray's retirement after Rio 2016, Bond made the strategic decision to transition to the men's eight for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Despite the challenges of adapting to crew boat dynamics after years of pair rowing, he successfully secured his third Olympic gold medal, demonstrating his versatility and enduring competitive excellence. Bond and Murray hold the world record in the men's coxless pair, a testament to their technical proficiency and physical prowess. Bond's achievements have earned him recognition as New Zealand's most successful Olympic rower and one of the country's greatest athletes across all sports. Multiple sporting organizations named him New Zealand's athlete of the decade for the 2010s, acknowledging his sustained excellence and global impact. His three Olympic gold medals represent the pinnacle of New Zealand rowing achievement, while his transition between boat classes showcased remarkable adaptability. Bond's career has elevated the profile of rowing in New Zealand and established benchmarks for athletic excellence that continue to inspire future generations of rowers both domestically and internationally.
Unbeaten streak in men's coxless pair with Eric Murray from 2009-2016
Lasting Impact
One of rowing's most dominant athletes, forming part of the greatest men's coxless pair partnership in rowing history
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 3x (2012,2016,2020)
- World Champion 7x
- Olympic Gold Medal - Men's Coxless Pair 2012
- Olympic Gold Medal - Men's Coxless Pair 2016
- Olympic Gold Medal - Men's Eight 2021
- World Championship Gold - Men's Coxless Pair 2009
- World Championship Gold - Men's Coxless Pair 2010
- World Championship Gold - Men's Coxless Pair 2011
- World Championship Gold - Men's Coxless Pair 2013
- World Championship Gold - Men's Coxless Pair 2014
- World Championship Gold - Men's Coxless Pair 2015
- World Championship Gold - Men's Eight 2017
New Zealander Athletes