Article Date: Wednesday 14 May 2025

Olympian and world record-holding sprint kayaker Aimee Fisher is entering a defining chapter in her career. After a dominant performance at the New Zealand National Championships—where she claimed multiple national titles - Aimee has now set off on a four-month European campaign. She’ll compete at World Cups in Poland and Hungary as she builds towards the 2025 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships in Milan this August.

In a bold and meaningful move, Aimee has returned to her hometown of Hawke’s Bay, choosing to base herself at the Hawke’s Bay High Performance Sports Centre (HBHPSC). Embracing a new approach for the Los Angeles Olympic cycle, she’s taken full ownership of her journey, supported by Canoe Racing New Zealand and a hand-picked team of world-class professionals.

“I moved back to Hawke’s Bay to be with my people. This journey is magnificent and such a privilege, but it can feel near impossible some days. I wanted to take on this last chapter surrounded by family, friends and community. That is one of the things I love about the Hawke’s Bay High Performance Sports Centre; high performance sport is done alongside our community; at times, we have school kids, the elderly and Mum and Bubs in there, all training under the same roof. This is how I want to do high-performance sport.”

Aimee’s newly formed team includes head coach Jernej Zupanicic, domestic coach Pip Pearce, and trusted movement specialist Hayley Young. On the ground in Hawke’s Bay, she is supported by Angus Warwicker-Le Breton, who serves as both her Strength & Conditioning Coach and Campaign Manager, alongside physiotherapist Hannah Manu from the Movement Co., and sports doctor Mel Parnell. She continues to work closely with High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) and CRNZ staff to ensure alignment and structure throughout her campaign.

Her return has had a ripple effect on the region, reigniting inspiration within the local sporting community. At HBHPSC, she regularly crosses paths with up-and-coming athletes in the Te Tūranga Athlete Development Programme, including Matt McKendry and Oscar Jarvis. Her presence reinforces the idea that world-class success doesn’t require relocation to Auckland, Christchurch, or Wellington—elite performance can thrive in regional centres.

Aimee trains alongside Paris 2024 bronze medallist Peter Cowan, another athlete proving that big dreams can be chased from small towns. Beyond training, she works part-time at Mahora Primary School as a teaching assistant and coaches canoe polo, helping young people discover the joys of paddling and water sports.

Having been part of Te Tūranga since its early days—when the facility was little more than a shed with barbells—Aimee has come full circle. Now a world-class athlete, she continues to give back by occasionally attending Te Tūranga sessions, mentoring the next generation with a grounded, relatable perspective on high-performance sport. 

As the European season unfolds and the World Championships draw nearer, excitement continues to build around Aimee’s campaign. With a strong team behind her, deep community roots, and a sharpened focus, she is poised to once again make her mark on the world stage.