(2017 ☆ ARCHIVED) Rachel Clarke - New Zealand

RACHEL CLARKE (New Zealand) - Nominee for the 2017 Sportswoman of the Year Award 

• Born: 1990, Sports: Ocean Ski and Surf Ski, Represents: New Zealand
• 2017: 1st Molokai Championship, 1st NZ Surf Ski Queen of the Harbour, 1st Gorge Downwind Champs, 2nd Canadian Surf Ski Champs
• 2016: 1st NZ Surf Ski Queen of the Harbour 26km, 2nd Molokai Championship, 2nd Canadian Surf Ski Champs, 2nd North American Surf Ski Champs, 3rd Hong Kong Dragon
• 2015: 1st NZ Surf Ski Queen of the Harbour, 1st West Coast Downwinder, 3rd North American Surf Ski Champs, 3rd US Surf Ski Champs, 3rd ICF World Surf Ski Champs, 3rd Perth Doctor 

Rachel Clarke is quickly becoming one of the most accomplished females in the history of ocean racing. After adding another Molokai Ocean Ski, Queen of the Harbour and World Series title wins to her belt in 2017, Rachel has asserted her dominance amongst some of the toughest fields the sport has seen.

These successes now make Rachel a two times Molokai winner and five time Queen of the Harbour winner, which is no mean feat. Against the likes of Teneale Hatton, who is a world-class paddler in her own right, Rachel is deserving of many accolades.

Whilst many top athletes like Rachel are able to train and race as a full time job, Rachel is able to achieve these amazing results whilst still working as a full time Police Officer in New Zealand. On top of this she is also fully immersed in the sport as a coach and volunteer for many local surf life saving paddlers.

As recognition for her achievements, Rachel has received the New Zealand Police Association Sportsperson of the Year award twice, becoming the first back-to-back winner of the honour. Her hard work and personal sacrifice earning her mountains of respect from her colleagues, fellow athletes and the wider community.

After years of significant victories with minimal acknowledgement, Rachel is completely deserving of a nomination for the Sportswoman of the year award.

Other activities and achievements off the water

• Front line Police officer based at Auckland’s North Shore for the past 6 years.
• Volunteer lifeguard at Mairangi Bay Surf Life Saving club
• In her spare time she loves going to the beach and spending time with friends and family.

This is a 2017 archived nominee. Voting has closed.