Lisa Carrington

Dame Lisa Carrington DNZM is a revered figure in the world of sports, known as a celebrated athlete and kayaker, and proudly holding the title of New Zealand's most decorated Olympian. With an impressive tally of six Olympic medals — including five gold and one bronze — earned across three consecutive Olympic Games, Lisa's journey stands as a beacon of inspiration and accomplishment.

Hailing from Tauranga, Lisa cherishes her Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki and Ngāti Porou heritage. Her love for paddling ignited during her formative years in Ōhope Beach, where she first discovered her passion for the sport. Described by Sports Illustrated as "quietly humble yet fiercely determined," Lisa's achievements are truly remarkable.

Boasting an impressive haul of 15 world championship golds and an unprecedented streak of nine successive K1 200m titles, Lisa's success has earned her numerous accolades, including being named Sportswoman of the Year at the Halberg Awards four times and receiving the esteemed honour of Halberg Sportswoman of the Decade in 2021.

In 2022, Lisa's exceptional contributions to canoe racing were formally recognised with her appointment as a Dame Companion to the New Zealand Order of Merit. In addition to her athletic endeavours, Lisa remains committed to her education, currently pursuing a Master's in Psychology alongside her Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and Māori Studies, and Graduate Diploma in Psychology.

Lisa's passion extends beyond sports to environmental conservation and the preservation of her Māori heritage. An enthusiastic adventurer, she finds solace and joy in outdoor activities such as surfing and fishing.

Lisa's story epitomises resilience, determination, and positivity, serving as an inspiration for aspiring leaders everywhere. She exemplifies the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Lisa will share her invaluable insights on 'the winning mindset: lessons from the Olympic stage,' offering invaluable wisdom gleaned from her extraordinary journey.

LisaCarrington