Mahe Drysdale is a rower from New Zealand who was born in Australia and started rowing at age 18 after being inspired by fellow New Zealander Rob Waddell's gold medal win at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He became the 2005, 2006, and 2007 world champion in rowing but finished third in the 2008 Beijing Olympics due to illness. Rowers need carbohydrates as a key part of their diet, and balanced meals for athletes include a healthy pizza, pasta dish, or toasted sandwich along with fruit for snacks.