Hamish Legarth

For Hamish Legarth, completing a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours at the University of Waikato wasn’t just about lectures and labs, it was a six-year journey of balancing academics with elite sport.  

As a competitive kayaker who represented New Zealand at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Hamish’s university experience was anything but typical. 

“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do when I left school,” he admits. “I was good at Science and Maths, so I chose Engineering because I thought it would open some doors. But once I got into it, I really enjoyed learning how things work and the practical side of it.” 

Hands on projects like building remote-controlled boats and constructing model bridges were highlights of his early years. But juggling full-time training with study meant sacrifices, especially socially.  

“I’d save all my university work for Sundays, my only day off,” he says. “It didn’t leave much time for a normal social life.” 

The challenging balancing act led him to extend his degree from the usual four years to six. He credits the University’s athlete support systems for helping him stay on track. 

“The University of Waikato provides outstanding support for student athletes. It played a huge role in helping me thrive both in my studies and in my sport,” he says. 

As a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholar, he received tailored support to pursue sport alongside his qualification, and the Student-Athlete Support Hub was available to advocate for him when needed. His lecturers were also supportive, with many going the extra mile to accommodate his schedule. 

“My classes were recorded, and my lecturers were good at putting notes online if I couldn’t physically be in class,” he says. “It was one less thing to worry about amidst my hectic schedule.” 

Hamish believes his athletic experience ultimately strengthened his academic performance, helping him develop transferable skills. 

“Time management, discipline, and the drive for excellence are all essential in high-performance sport, and those qualities carried over into my studies,” he says. “Having something outside of sport also helped me maintain a healthy balance.” 

Looking ahead, Hamish hopes to find part-time work in project management while continuing to train for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. His advice to future students? “If you decide to do something, commit to it. Go all in.”