James Lassche

Rio 2016 was James' first Olympic Games.

James was part of the 2015 World Championship crew that finished fourth and in doing so qualified the lightweight men's four for Rio, an historic occasion as it is the first time a New Zealand lightweight four have qualified in this event for the Olympic Games.

James was part of the New Zealand lightweight four that were silver medallists at the 2013 World Rowing Championships. In 2014 James was struck by a back injury and had to make an early exit from the World Championships - his crew went on to win silver.

James was born in Darfield and attended Christ's College where he began rowing. He is now a member of the Avon Rowing Club.

He and his wife Leah were married in 2015 and live in Cambridge with their two dogs.