Rowing News
The 2012 Australian Rowing Championships commenced on Monday 5th March at the Champion Lakes Regatta Centre with athletes facing 37+ degree temperatures. The last Championships which were held in Perth were in 1995 at the Wellington Dam.
An aerial view of Champion Lakes
Despite the large number of races making up the schedule, during the week as we cast our eyes over the boat park, there were hardly any athletes to be seen. Coaches and parents were keeping our athletes in the shade and well hydrated in preparation for their events as the temperatures just kept soaring.
The athletes came from various schools, clubs etc., across Australia and the competition was fierce.
In spite of the extreme weather conditions, our athletes were determined and driven to prove themselves. They participated with such enthusiasm, perseverance and skill that they earned their place at such a competition. Considering we are a small co-ed club, our athletes were remarkable in their achievement. Due to the selection process, in many events they were competing against much older crews and may be commended for their endurance and confirmed commitment to the sport of rowing.
Eight crews entered in under 17, under 19, school boy/girl category and adaptive categories.
Thanks to the following athletes for competing at the Championships:
Daniel Hunt, Brent Vivian, Tim Wallace, Tristan Gorey, Harry Wallington, Tom Viljoen, George Harding, Connor Wallington, Drew Wallington, Michael Biddulph, Lincoln McLean, Conor Corless, Patrick Boere, Matthew Tugwell-Wootton, Alex King, Peter Rossen, Mariah Mwipatayi, Leesha Green, Eleanor Weber, Sophie Holt, Rhiaan Richards, Jemima Harding, Kate Fletcher, Giulia de Geus, Annabelle Newton, Carla Hyde, Kate Fletcher, Eloise Clarke, Jessica Lock and Jessica Mitchell.
Our Boys Snr XIII's earned a place in the finals and managed to post a crew best time in their first event.
Boys Snr XIII
L-R George Harding, Daniel Hunt, Cox: Michael Biddulph, Tim Wallace, Connor Wallington, Drew Wallington, Brent Vivian, Harry Wallington, Tristan Gorey and Coach: Christiaan Vromans
We ended our competition on a high as Saturday Peter Rossen competed in a double skull event to row to second place. His partner in the double was Ray Walter from Perth Rowing Club.
Our coaches Dean Steadman, Brodrick Madden-Scott, Christiaan Vromans and Francis Staude together with Trent Leach our co-ordinator have graciously donated their time and energy in ensuring our athletes delivered their finest performances. Many, many thanks for all your hard work and incredible dedication to our athletes especially this hot and windy Championship week.
The final events were on Sunday 11th March. The next Australian Rowing Championships will be held in Sydney from 18 - 24 March 2013.
