There are probably hundreds of would-be Teddy Georges in Dunedin.
Those that are seen as too small, too slow and just not good enough to hack it with the best.
Many - too many, really - drop out.
Sadly, only a very small fraction give themselves the opportunity to achieve what George, an Otago Boys' High School rower, has.
Once in crews that battled to not finish last, the year 13 pupil claimed silver at his first and only Maadi Cup last week.
He joined Ben Mason, Thomas Ryan, Jack Webber and cox Jake Burgess in finishing second in the under-18 boys quadruple sculls.
''It felt pretty good, to be honest,'' George said.
''Just getting out there and doing it with such a good bunch of lads; it's really good.
''Sharing that whole process with them. Three of them started rowing when I did and they were much better. Now I was in the boat with them.''
Dunedin-born and raised, George began rowing because a friend was doing it. His friend gave it away, but he enjoyed it so kept going.
The results did not come straight away, though.
''I wasn't the best starting off. I just thought of myself as a social rower, just doing it for the boys.
''I stuck with it because I enjoyed it and it obviously gets better with the better results. It was good fun, really.
''I'd like to say I've improved.''
His parents had been key drivers and attended his regattas.
Both had been crucial when he nearly went the way most people go when things get hard. That kept him going and the work began to add up.
''It wasn't easy sometimes.
''I lost a lot of motivation towards my third season. I was going to quit, but I stuck with it.
''I'm pretty happy I did.''
New coach Kirsty Dunhill came on board this year and he got more technical coaching. That had been key, combined with his positive attitude and solid fitness base.
It culminated in January when he won his way into the top quad crew for the first time.
''I was over the moon at that point.
''I gave Mum a call. She couldn't believe it either; neither could Dad.
''So they were pretty stoked for me and I was pretty stoked myself.''
A South Island title followed, before the silver at Maadi completed his rise.
George's team-mate Mason was one of three Otago rowers selected for a New Zealand junior squad trial.
Bayfield High School's Eva Hofmans and former John McGlashan College rower Jack McLaughlan also earned trials.
