Fred Strachan is used to celebrating others’ achievements on the water.
But today it is all about him, as the national rowing identity celebrates his 100th birthday at his Twizel home.
Mr Strachan, who was a rowing coach for 64 years and spent 25 years as a national selector, was subdued when asked how he felt about the milestone, saying it was "just another number, really".
However, this weekend’s festivities are anything but ordinary, with more than 150 people making the trip to the Mackenzie district to help celebrate.
Among those attending are members from North End and Avon Rowing Clubs, where Mr Strachan had a long affiliation, and many Olympic — including five members of the 1972 gold medal winning eight — Commonwealth and world champions.
"Initially I was going to have just a wee quiet one and then I thought ‘OK there’s going to be people I know who are going to come here anyway’.
"Some of them are making it a bit of a reunion. It’s a good opportunity to have some reminiscence of the past."
Mr Strachan grew up in Dunedin, attended King Edward Technical College and found his passion at the North End Rowing Club in 1944, while working in the general merchant industry.
He won 100 races during his eight-year career before making a name for himself as a coach, helping 70 rowers go on to national honours, and administrator, holding several positions at New Zealand Rowing. He is still their vice-patron.
In 1971, he married his late wife, Kate, who was heavily involved in fundraising for South Island rowing, had three children Emma, Sarah and John, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
