Rob Hamill

Rob Hamill made sporting history as a New Zealand International rowing representative for 16 years, with accomplishments that include World Championship silver, Commonwealth gold, and a world record on the indoor rowing machine. In 1978, a charter yacht under the command of Rob’s “brother number one” Kerry strayed into Cambodian waters. Kerry was subsequently imprisoned, tortured, and executed by the Khmer Rouge. Rob has since travelled to Cambodia to find answers for his family and, reaching beyond personal pain, for Cambodia. In July this year he watched as his brother’s jailor was sentenced to 35 years in prison. “I just want to understand him”, says Rob.

Rob consistently demonstrates discipline and mental focus; he represented New Zealand at the Atlanta Olympics and published ‘The Naked Rower’ on how he and Phil Stubbs captured headlines around the world winning the grueling and inaugural Atlantic Rowing Race in 41 days. Sir Peter Blake described their incredible achievement as “an extraordinary mental and physical effort – something very, very special.” Rob went on to lead successful defences of the title in 2001 and 2003 and helped the 2005 entry that withdrew after a shark attack and boat capsize.

A story of anger, of grief and hopefully of forgiveness. When competing at the Atlanta Olympic games, Rob Hamill heard about the Atlantic rowing race, a 4500 kilometre ocean rowing race. Hamill and Stubbed rowed, 24 hours a day for the entire distance. While rowing the event, Hamill felt a connection with his brother. Hamill grieved for his brother while he was at sea and felt pulled to find some closure. Hamill recounted the history of the Khmer Rouge and the processes used in he prisons of the regime.

Communication from Hamill’s brother topped and it wasn’t until 16 months later hat a newspaper article told them of his brothers fate.

Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation – Viktor Frankl, Auschwitz survivor

In his confession, Kerry Hamill used the names of his family and friends as the alleged trainers and commanders in the CIA. In his confession he was sending a message of love to people whom he would never see, and who would never see him again.

Hamill attempted to meet with Viktor Duch, the commander behind the jails, the tortures and the executions – his invitation however was unsuccessful. Hamill however was successful in speaking to a soldier who, he feels, was one of those who tortured his brother. How did that make him feel? Revengeful? Angry? Understandable but no. Violence met with violence is not a viable approach. Forgiveness, empathy and moving on are important.

By telling his story, Hamill is honouring the memory of his brother. The legacy remains, in the telling of his story that we can stop it happening again.