Charlie Murray (Class of 2013) Returns to CHS

Recently, we welcomed back alumnus and world championmountain bike rider, Charlie Murray (Class of 2013), who shared his inspiring story with students, encouraging them to follow their passions and embrace challenges. In this special moment, he gifted his MTB Enduro World Championship Rainbow Jersey.

Charlie’s journey into professional sport began when his mentor, Justin Leov, encouraged him to take a chance. ‘His belief in me gave me the confidence to leave my engineering career and fully commit to racing.’ By making that bold decision, Charlie unlocked a new chapter in his life. He went on to secure the Rainbow Jersey as part of Team New Zealand’s victory at the Trophy of Nations in Italy, and more recently, claimed victory at the 2024 Poland World Cup.

Although Charlie studied civil engineering at University of Canterbury after leaving school, he now regrets not pursuing a different stream of engineering. Reflecting on his experience, he shared with an assembly of students that many of his choices were influenced by what his peers were doing rather than his own true interests. He urged the students to carefully consider their next steps after school, advising them to choose university courses that align with their passions and strengths, rather than simply following the crowd.

Charlie credits Cashmere with laying the foundation for both his career and life. ‘The confidence to take risks and the resilience to handle failure have empowered me to chase my dreams. The staff, community, and students at Cashmere are some of the best people I’ve had the privilege to be around. Kia ora.’

In addition to his athletic success, Charlie is also a mentor and founder of WeAreGritt, a charity that helps young athletes turn their hobbies into careers. ‘I believe hobbies can become meaningful careers, and through our program, we work to inspire young athletes to keep pushing toward their goals while providing support during the tough moments when they need it most.’ His journey is a testament to the power of belief, perseverance, and the importance of giving back to the community that helped shape him.