There’s something oddly reassuring about meeting one of New Zealand’s greatest-ever athletes over breakfast. No stadium lights, no finish lines, no medals hanging around her neck, just coffee, toast, a room full of motoring media and the launch of the new Toyota RAV4.
And yet, even in such a relaxed setting, Dame Lisa Carrington still carries the aura of someone completely locked into excellence.
The funny thing is, she doesn’t act like a global sporting icon at all. She’s warm, easy-going, quick to laugh and refreshingly honest. The kind of person who makes you feel like you’re chatting with an old friend rather than someone who has rewritten the Olympic history books. But beneath that calm and approachable personality is a level of drive that’s almost impossible to comprehend.
Because this is Dame Lisa Carrington we’re talking about, New Zealand’s most decorated Olympian and arguably one of the greatest canoe sprinters the world has ever seen.
From the Far North to global domination
Born in Tauranga and raised in Ōhope, Carrington’s rise to sporting superstardom is the sort of story that feels quintessentially Kiwi. A kid who loved the outdoors, the ocean and being active eventually became a dominant force on the world stage.
Since bursting into international prominence with Olympic gold at the 2012 London Games, Carrington has become almost untouchable in canoe sprint competition. Multiple Olympic gold medals, world championship titles and countless records later, she’s become synonymous with excellence, consistency and composure under pressure.
What’s remarkable isn’t just the amount she’s won, it’s how she’s won. Carrington competes in a sport where races can be decided by fractions of a second, where conditions change constantly and where mental strength is just as important as physical ability. Yet somehow, year after year, she delivers.
Sitting across the breakfast table, though, she seems completely unfazed by her incredible achievements.
So… what’s it like being a Dame?
Naturally, one of the first questions had to be about the title itself. Has becoming a Dame changed her life?
“In some ways, yes,” she admitted with a grin. “Because it’s one of the first things people ask me.” Fair point.
The title of Damehood was awarded to Carrington in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to sport and New Zealand, elevating her into an incredibly select group of people. But despite the honour, she doesn’t exactly walk around acting like royalty.
In fact, one of the funniest moments of the morning came when she mentioned former Prime Minister Dame Jenny Shipley.
Apparently, the pair had joked about there being a sort of unofficial “Dame Club” — an elite sisterhood of distinguished New Zealand women. “So far,” Carrington laughed, “I haven’t been invited.”
It was classic Lisa. Humble, self-aware and genuinely funny.
Team Toyota
As outlined earlier, the breakfast gathering was part of the launch of the new Toyota RAV4, and Carrington spoke openly about her partnership with Toyota and why the relationship works. For her, it’s not simply about being attached to a well-known brand. It’s about shared values.
She explained there are strong synergies between herself and Toyota, particularly around sustainability, connection to the outdoors and a shared appreciation for water-based lifestyles, especially sailing and ocean activities. It makes sense.
Toyota has increasingly focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility in recent years, while Carrington’s entire life and career has been deeply connected to nature and the water. There’s authenticity there, and in an era where many ambassador partnerships can feel forced, this one feels remarkably genuine. Much like Carrington herself.
The silence before the storm
One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation came when discussing what it feels like moments before a race. For most of us, the idea of lining up at an Olympic final in front of millions would be utterly terrifying. The noise, the pressure, the expectations — it sounds overwhelming.
But Carrington described something very different. Calmness. Silence.
She spoke about the feeling of being alone on the water just before the race begins. The outside world fades away, distractions disappear and everything narrows into one singular moment. It sounded almost peaceful.
There’s something incredibly poetic about that image, one athlete, one boat and absolute stillness before explosive intensity.
It also explains a lot about why she’s been so successful. Elite athletes often talk about finding “the zone”, but Carrington seems to genuinely live there when competition arrives.
The red sunglasses superstition
Of course, no sporting conversation is complete without talking about superstitions, and yes, Dame Lisa Carrington has one. A pair of red sunglasses.
They’ve become something of a good luck charm for her over the years and she admitted she wears them as part of a superstition before racing. It’s wonderfully human.
For someone so extraordinarily disciplined and successful, it’s oddly comforting to know there’s still room for little rituals and lucky habits. Because whether you’re an Olympic champion or someone trying not to burn toast in the morning, we all cling to small things that make us feel grounded.
And a pair of red lucky sunglasses feels like a pretty cool superstition.
More than medals
What stood out most during breakfast wasn’t Carrington’s achievements (although they are staggering) it was her perspective. She spoke passionately about representing New Zealand on the world stage and described it as an honour every single time she competes. Not an obligation, Not pressure – An honour.
That distinction matters. After years at the top, endless travel, relentless training schedules and the expectation of gold medals every time she touches the water, she still genuinely appreciates the opportunity to wear the silver fern. That says a lot about who she is.
And perhaps that’s why New Zealanders connect with her so strongly. Beyond the medals and records, there’s an authenticity to Dame Lisa Carrington that feels unmistakably Kiwi.
She’s driven without being arrogant. Competitive without being cold. Successful without losing her sense of humour.
Breakfast finished, legacy still growing
As the plates were cleared and coffees drained, one thing became abundantly obvious — Dame Lisa Carrington’s story is still being written.
Yes, she’s already achieved more than most athletes could ever dream of. Yes, she’s become a national icon. And yes, she now technically belongs to the elusive “Dame Club,” invitation pending.
But she still carries herself like someone chasing improvement rather than celebrating completion. That relentless drive sits quietly beneath the surface, hidden behind the easy laugh and approachable nature.
And maybe that’s the secret. The calmness, the focus, the red sunglasses, the humility. Or maybe it’s simply that Dame Lisa Carrington is exactly who New Zealand hopes its sporting heroes will be, world-class on the biggest stage, yet completely down to earth over breakfast and toast.
