Logan Docherty has retired from the sport.
Despite being only 22, Docherty had a decorated career in which he was selected for a New Zealand squad three times.
In 2019, he was named in the under-21 lightweight double scull. Two years later, he was named in the New Zealand under-21 heavyweight quad and eight, and last year he made the New Zealand team for the world under-23 championships in Italy.
Docherty made the decision to call it quits following the International Olympic Committee’s decision to scrap lightweight rowing after the 2024 Paris Olympics.
It was a tough pill to swallow when he saw the announcement but he was proud of what he had achieved in his career.
"It would’ve been nice to step on up again and take it to another level but what I achieved is pretty cool.
"To get one black singlet is pretty cool but to get three is pretty special. Most people don’t even get one."
Being from a small town like Oamaru and rowing on the international stage meant a lot to him.
He gave "zero consideration" to continuing his career as a heavyweight rower.
He has been named sportsman of the year for the past two years at the Waitaki Sports Awards and won the supreme sportsperson of the year award earlier this year.
After being based in different cities around the country to further his rowing career, he has returned home and is a member of the police in Oamaru.
"I pulled the pin after that announcement was made and this opportunity came up, and it was as if one door closed and another one opened.
He graduated from the Royal New Zealand Police College in October and is enjoying the change in his day-to-day life.
"It’s been a pretty cool experience. I enjoy all aspects of the job.
"No day is the same as the last. You come to work and never know what the day holds."
Being a local in a small town was an advantage rather than being "an empty blue face", the new constable said.
"Being in a small community, it’s about making a difference.
"When you speak to people in the community, you get to make that difference because they know who you are."
He has enjoyed giving back to the people of his town.
"Oamaru has provided me opportunities during my sporting endeavours, so it’s exciting to represent the Waitaki district through this career."
