SOPHIE MACKENZIE is an elite lightweight rower for New Zealand and is the 2014 under 23 world champion and also the elite world champion.

We put her to the test with a round of our ‘quick-fire’ questions before she headed out to compete in France at the World Championships.

What do you love most about your rowing career?

The feeling of the boat gliding underneath you in a smooth rhythm, being round friends and racing for each other.

What has been the highlight in your career to date?

Winning the World Champs 2014.

If you could accomplish one thing in rowing or outside the sport in the next five years what would that be?

OLYMPIC GOLD 2016 lightweight women 2x.

What’s your favourite movie?

Sweet Home Alabama.

And actor?

Too many!

And musician/band?

Ed Sheeran and Beyonce.

What’s your biggest regret?

Can’t think of any – just learning experiences

If you could have the opportunity to give another sport a go on a global level what would that sport be?

Adventure racing/multi sport… maybe after rowing (laughs).

Where’s your favourite place to relax?

My home on the farm at the top of the South Island, New Zealand.

Do you have or would you get a tattoo?

No I don’t and not sure.

What’s your best characteristic?

I’m easy going.

And your most unappealing habit?

Snacking and picking at food – I have to try everything it gets bloody annoying (laughs).

If you could order any three-course meal what would that meal be?

This is a tough one! 1) cheese, pesto, tomatoes antipasto platter; 2) some sort of meat dish with fancy veggies; 3) Raw cheesecake and dark chocolate something.

If you had to get stuck in an elevator with someone who would that person be?

My boyfriend – then we can just joke and laugh the whole time!

What’s your most used curse word?

Not sure… maybe bloody.

What are you most afraid of?

Birds!

When are you happiest?

On top of a mountain after climbing it and looking out over the view – it’s amazing feeling!

What drives you to keep pushing for success?

Myself and my drive to see how far I can go, trying to be better than I was the day before.

What would you most like to achieve with your website and recipe books?

Help people see how simple, easy and delicious whole foods can be and to help people find exercise and activities they love so they can stay fit and healthy .

Which sports person do you most aspire to?

I have many and they are always changing because I think all athletes have something to aspire to or learn from.