Later Races & Events
Webb’s final professional race was for the Championship of New Zealand. He had previously been the holder of this title but during his time as World Champion he had forfeited it to another rower as he was unwilling to risk a loss for a lesser title. His opponent for this next race was another New Zealander, Pat Hannan. The race was run on the Whanganui River on the 24 of September 1915 and the stake was £200 a side. Webb was a comfortable winner this time. Hannan was later an unsuccessful challenger for the World Championship. The First World War precluded any further professional matches and when the war was over Webb retired as the undefeated Professional New Zealand Single Sculls Champion.
Throughout his life Webb continued to row for pleasure and also gave exhibition rows and was always willing to help young rowers who sought his assistance. He was well remembered and well thought of in his home of Wanganui where a street is named after him. Webb died on 2 October 1960. He was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in September 1997.
Read more about this topic: William Webb (rower)
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