Dick Arnst in a cycle race

Jack Arnst leads a group of cyclists to the finish line in a two-mile scratch race in Nelson, 1905. His brother Dick, at left, is about to come second.

In 1906 Dick Arnst decided to switch to sculling. The physical and mental requirements of the two sports are similar, although these days athletes usually move in the opposite direction. In 1908 Arnst beat professional sculling’s world champion, fellow New Zealander Billy Webb. He held on to the title for four years.