Five new super-ambassadors join the CurraNZ team

CurraNZ has recently had an influx of new ambassadors who are at the very top of their disciplines. We're excited to team up with these outstanding athletes who value our blackcurrant supplement for its sporting and health benefits.

RUTH CROFT

We are thrilled to welcome Ruth, who is regarded as one of the best in the endurance running / trail world. 

Two-time winner of the Ultra Marathon du Mont Blanc and OCC Champion, the New Zealander has also shone in the US. On her first attempt in the epic 100 Mile Western States Endurance Run in 2021, Ruth was the second woman home and ninth overall. 

On home turf, Ruth broke the 102km course record when winning the 2021 Tarawera Ultra outright, one of New Zealand's most prestigious ultra events.

Ruth ran across CurraNZ after Founder Fleur Cushman was interviewed on Mikki Williden’s podcast (Mikkipedia - listen here).

Ruth has found CurraNZ gives her a strong boost in her training and overall health.

She says: "I discovered CurraNZ after hearing about how it can help with recovery, which proved true.

"However, what I noticed most was not only an increase in energy levels but an elevated feeling of overall health and wellbeing."

We can't wait to see how CurraNZ can elevate her performance in 2022.

 HANNAH MILLER 

Southland's Hannah Miller represented New Zealand at the 2017 and 2019 World University Games and took Gold in the senior women’s 5000m and 1500m at the 2017 Oceania Games.

Recently she ran a 1.12 half marathon at the Aramco Half Marathon in Houston and clocked the fifth fastest time for a Kiwi woman at that distance.

She hopes to make the World Championships team for New Zealand in the marathon event.

Currently in the US and studying her master’s in public policy and international affairs, Hannah was introduced to CurraNZ via some of our track and field ambassadors (Ruby Wyles, Julia Ratcliffe) and has found it beneficial for her training and racing.

Hannah says: "I'm 'berry' excited to announce a partnership with CurraNZ! Anti-inflammatories play a huge role in keeping my body feeling good as it absorbs big training loads. But it’s always a struggle to find natural products that aid rather than alter the body’s natural functions."

We’re hoping to see Hannah back in New Zealand for the Oceania Champs and the domestic winter season, where she will compete in the NZ cross country/road and Half Marathon Champs.

Phoebe Spoors and Matt Macdonald

We are delighted to welcome power rowing couple Matt & Phoebe, our first rowing ambassadors.

Matt was part of the historic men’s eight rowing team who won gold at Tokyo and Phoebe was reserve in the Women’s eight who won silver.

Phoebe, originally from Christchurch, studied at The University of Washington in Seattle and completed a degree in Political Science and Communications before returning to NZ to pursue a career in rowing.

Phoebe has her sights on Paris 2024 and is excited about the benefits of CurraNZ.

She says: "I had a tough time with reoccurring tonsillitis throughout 2020 & 2021. After multiple courses of antibiotics and a tonsillectomy in October, I’ve been concentrating on supporting my immune system as I’ve built back into full time training, with help from CurraNZ and I'm chuffed to be joining the CurraNZ team!" 

Fellow Olympian Matt McDonald took Curranz daily in the build-up to the Olympic Games.

He says: "The difference between winning and losing in rowing can come down to very small margins, so as a competitor you are always looking for an edge. The physiological benefits and over all feeling more energy on a day to day basis is why I am excited to continue using Curranz and become a brand ambassador."

Matt was a member of the silver-medal-winning 2017 NZ Junior Rowing team, and won bronze the following year in the U23 team. In 2018 Matt had his first taste of elite competition where he competed at the World Championships in the mens four.

David Haunschmidt

It’s difficult to decide what David’s ‘super power’ is – emergency medical doctor or dedicated and accomplished long-distance runner.

David is based in Wellington and recently came across CurraNZ.

David’s profession and subsequent shift work means his body isn’t always ready to take to the trail.

However, adding CurraNZ to his running regime has made a difference to his starts and finishes with some ‘blackcurrant power’ in his system. 

David was second in the Kepler Challenge this year and has notable wins in a number of races - the Whitianga Marathon, The Great Kauri Run, The Nugget and Tarawera TUM21 course, setting course records in three of the last four events.

In 2020 he racked up wins in the Queenstown International Marathon, Kawerau King of the Mountain, Raglan Karioi Trail and We Run the Forest events.

David says: "Nutrition, recovery, and pre-habilitation have always been paramount for my training and general health and wellbeing. This is even more important when you throw shift work into the mix.

"There are many studies showing that shift work (particularly nightshifts) seriously affects many aspects of health, wellbeing, athletic performance, recovery, and longevity. Finding ways to mitigate and balance this can be difficult.

"I have been using CurraNZ as part of my toolbox to help with this. I’ve noticed a difference since taking these, particularly when training and racing around nights.

"I take very few supplements. When I do, because of my background, I approach this in the most analytical evidence-based way possible.

"I really like that the team at CurraNZ are all about this and are producing studies and attempting to provide quality data on its effects. I'm excited to follow their progress, ongoing research, and receive support for my training and racing."