Rate My Professor Sophie Petelaud

Petelaud's professional contributions were recognized among University staff in 2020. She actively participates in dragon boating, having joined the University of Otago Wellington Leisure & Sport dragon boating team in summer 2020 as a complete novice. She progressed to team manager from 2021 to 2023, describing the experience as 'corralling caffeinated cats - challenging yet oddly rewarding'. In winter 2022, she joined the Pōneke Watersports club for year-round training on Wellington Harbour and has served as committee secretary since 2023. In April 2024, she competed in her first Dragon Boat National Championships at Lake Karāpiro, paddling in 14 races over 2km, 500m, and 200m distances against national and international teams. Though no medals were won, the team made a notable impression. She received the Most Improved Paddler trophy for the Ika Moana/Nationals team due to her willingness to learn, training consistency, and team player attitude. Looking ahead to the 2025 NZDBA Nationals and possibly international competition, she plans gym sessions, personal training, regattas, and further study of nutrition and women's training science inspired by Otago PhD graduate Dr Stacy Sims. Petelaud emphasizes technique and timing alongside strength, with her team's mantra 'One team, one dream'.