Saturday 27 March
2010 High Performance Coaching announcement
For full details, download the National Coaching Appointments – Senior A, Adaptive, Under 23 (pdf, 104kb) memo written by Andrew Matheson, National High Performance Director, Chairman of Selectors.
Thursday 25 March
RA media release:
Selection trials offer strength in numbers
Australia’s elite rowers will compete for places on the 2010 Australian Rowing Team when the National Selection Trials are held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre next month.
Following the conclusion of the Australian Rowing Championships, 63 male and female rowers have been invited to contest the Senior A trials, where a number of crews will be named to compete at two world cups in Europe later this year. From this squad, a final team will be named for the 2010 World Rowing Championships in New Zealand commencing on October 31.
16 Beijing Olympians, who all had a year out of the boat in 2009, have been invited to attend the trials, while the bulk of the 2009 team will also endeavour to retain their places.
Returning gold medallist Duncan Free, who surged to gold in the men’s pair with Drew Ginn in Beijing, makes his long awaited return as he begins his quest to compete at a fifth Olympic Games in London 2012.
Tasmanian Kerry Hore, who is rowing out of the AIS in Canberra, will add to the strength and depth of the women’s squad, as she vies for selection in a sculling crew –double or quad.
2008 Australian women’s captain Sarah Tait, after giving birth to her first child, also returns to the fray, while three times Olympic medallist Anthony Edwards, is one of 14 lightweights contesting selection.
Rowing Australia High Performance Director Andrew Matheson, says the talent pool available in 2010 makes for a promising season.
“Whenever you throw in experienced athletes like some of the ones we have returning then it is always a positive,” Matheson said. “Their return increases the talent pool available to selectors, but also creates great competition for seats on the team.
“The group we took away last year have all improved and they will not want to give up their positions lightly. With everyone being so competitive, it increases the drive and effort in every athlete, and that can only be good for elite rowing in Australia.”
The 2010 Australian Under 23 and Junior teams will also be selected at the trials, for their respective world championships.
The National Selection Trials will commence on Friday 23 April, with the trials concluding on Sunday 2 May.
| Name |
Small boat |
Club/School/
Institute/Academy |
| |
|
|
| Men |
|
|
| Chris Morgan |
Sen A M1x #1 |
Adalaide Uni/SASI |
| David Crawshay |
Sen A M1x #2 |
Mercantile/VIS/AIS |
| Karsten Forsterling |
Sen A M1x #3 |
Melbourne Uni/VIS |
| Jared Bidwell |
Sen A M1x #4 |
Uni of Queensland/AIS |
| Dan Noonan |
Sen A M1x #5 |
Mosman/NSWIS |
| David Kelly |
Sen A M1x #6 |
Swans/WAIS |
| James McRae |
Sen A M1x #7 |
Murray Bridge/SASI |
| Nick Hudson |
Sen A M1x #8 |
Sydney Uni/NSWIS |
| Scott Brennan |
Sen A M1x #9 |
Lindisfarne/TIS/AIS |
| Lachlan McKinnon |
Sen A M1x #10 |
Mercantile |
| |
|
|
| Cameron McKenzie-McHarg |
Sen A M2- #1 |
Melbourne Uni/VIS |
| James Marburg |
Sen A M2- #1 |
Melbourne Uni/VIS |
| Joshua Dunkley-Smith |
Sen A M2- #2 |
Mercantile/AIS |
| Tom Larkins |
Sen A M2- #2 |
Melbourne Uni/AIS |
| Sam Loch |
Sen A M2- #3 |
Sydney Uni/NSWIS/AIS |
| Nicholas Purnell |
Sen A M2- #3 |
Sydney Uni/NSWIS/AIS |
| Matthew Ryan |
Sen A M2- #4 |
Sydney Uni/NSWIS/AIS |
| Fergus Pragnell |
Sen A M2- #4 |
Sydney Uni |
| Tom Swann |
Sen A M2- #5 |
Mercantile/AIS |
| Bryn Coudraye |
Sen A M2- #5 |
Adelaide /AIS |
| Dominic Grimm |
Sen A M2- #6 |
Sydney RC/AIS |
| Ned Kinnear |
Sen A M2- #6 |
Adelaide Uni/SASI |
| Nickolas Harris |
Sen A M2- #7 |
ANUBC/ACTAS |
| Kieran Kobelke |
Sen A M2- #7 |
Mosman |
| Duncan Free |
Sen A M2- #8 |
Uni of Qld/QAS |
| Sam Conrad |
Sen A M2- #8 |
Uni of Qld/QAS |
| John Linke |
Sen A M2- #9 |
Mercantile/VIS |
| Francis Hegerty |
Sen A M2- #9 |
Sydney Uni/NSWIS/VIS |
| |
|
|
| Samuel Beltz |
Sen A LM2- #1 |
Lindisfarne/TIS |
| Anthony Edwards |
Sen A LM2- #1 |
New Norfolk/TIS |
| Thomas Gibson |
Sen A LM2- #2 |
Huon/TIS |
| Alister Foot |
Sen A LM2- #2 |
Tamar/TIS |
| Perry Ward |
Sen A LM2- #3 |
Swan River/WAIS |
| Ross Brown |
Sen A LM2- #3 |
Swan River/WAIS |
| Todd Skippworth |
Sen A LM2- #4 |
Swan River/WAIS |
| Blair Tunevitsch |
Sen A LM2- #4 |
Tamar/TIS |
| Darryn Purcell |
Sen A LM2- #5 |
Toowong/QAS |
| Michael Mcbryde |
Sen A LM2- #5 |
Uni of Qld/QAS |
| Angus Tyers |
Sen A LM2- #6 |
Melbourne Uni/VIS |
| Thomas Bertrand |
Sen A LM2- #6 |
Mercantile/VIS |
| Shaun Finlayson |
Sen A LM2- #7 |
Lindisfarne/TIS |
| Nick Baker |
Sen A LM2- #7 |
Lindisfarne/TIS |
| |
|
|
| Coxswains |
|
|
| Tobias Lister |
Cox #1 |
Sydney Uni/AIS |
| David Webster |
Cox #2 |
Melbourne Uni |
| Mark Alexander |
Cox #3 |
Uni of Qld |
| Nick Allen-Ducat |
Cox #4 |
Uni of Qld |
| |
|
|
| Women |
|
|
| Sally Kehoe |
Sen A W1x #1 |
Sydney Uni/AIS |
| Kerry Hore |
Sen A W1x #2 |
New Norfolk/TIS/AIS |
| Philippa Savage |
Sen A W1x #3 |
Uni of QLD/QAS |
| Kim Crow |
Sen A W1x #4 |
Melbourne Uni/VIS/AIS |
| Sarah Cook |
Sen A W1x #5 |
Sydney Uni/AIS |
| Brooke Pratley |
Sen A W1x #6 |
Sydney Uni/NSWIS |
| Amber Bradley |
Sen A W1x #7 |
Perth/WAIS |
| |
|
|
| Phoebe Stanley |
Sen A W2- #1 |
Melbourne Uni/VIS |
| Pauline Frasca |
Sen A W2- #1 |
Mercantile/VIS |
| Sarah Heard |
Sen A W2- #2 |
Melbourne Uni/VIS |
| Sarah Tait |
Sen A W2- #2 |
Mercantile/VIS |
| Kate Hornsey |
Sen A W2- #3 |
Mercantile/VIS |
| Sophie Robson |
Sen A W2- #3 |
Melbourne Uni/VIS |
| |
|
|
| Hannah Every-Hall |
Sen A LW1x #1 |
Dutton Park/QAS |
| Alice McNamara |
Sen A LW1x #2 |
Melbourne Uni/VIS |
| Tara Kelly |
Sen A LW1x #3 |
Tweed Heads/QAS |
| Ingrid Fenger |
Sen A LW1x #4 |
Tamar/TIS |
| Maja Fiddler |
Sen A LW1x #5 |
Torrens/SASI |
| Carly Cottam |
Sen A LW1x #6 |
Tamar/TIS |
| Katherine Murray |
Sen A LW1x #7 |
Melbourne Uni |
| |
|
|
| Adaptive |
|
|
| Ben Houlison |
A |
Lakes Rowers/AIS |
| Kathryn Ross |
TA |
Lakes Rowers/AIS |
| Grant Bailey |
TA |
Lakes Rowers/AIS |
| Alexandra Green |
LTA |
UNSW |
| Carol Cooke |
LTA |
Mercantile |
| Nicholas Bisetto |
LTA |
Mercantile |
| Peter Siri |
LTA |
James Cook University |
| Shannon Narracott |
Coxswain |
Canberra Rowing Club |
For more information please call David Polglase on 0401 453 041
Wednesday 24 March
Australian sports urged to engage all cultures
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis has launched a new online resource in February to help sporting groups engage more sportspeople from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Minister Ellis joined the Australian Sports Commission and leading national sports to promote All Cultures, a program that aims to connect people from new migrant groups with their local sporting clubs.
‘As the composition of our community continues to evolve then so must Australian sport,’ Ms Ellis said.
‘New migrants are two-thirds less likely to participate in sport than other Australians and that’s a real shame. They are missing out and sport as a whole is missing out.’
‘We want to make sure that people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can reap the lifelong health and social benefits of sport.
‘Many of our grassroots and elite sports are missing out on the new skills and greater participation rates that the involvement of people from diverse origins can bring.
‘I want to see a multicultural sporting landscape that includes players, coaches, officials, administrators and supporters from different cultural origins.’
The Australian Sports Commission’s All Cultures program aims to lift low participation rates by providing advice to the Australian sporting sector about how to be more inclusive.
The new online resources include videos detailing existing multicultural sport programs and useful tips for clubs, coaches and officials. The website complements the All Cultures education programs and an ambassador-led awareness program.
‘With Harmony Day on 21 March, now is the time for sporting groups across the nation to consider how they can better involve people from diverse cultural backgrounds,’ Ms Ellis said.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship is working closely with the Australian Sports Commission to promote the All Cultures resource to schools and community groups.
For more information, please visit the ASC All Cultures website: www.ausport.gov.au/participating/all_cultures
Tuesday 23 March
Athletes and coaches information for April 2010 Selection Trials
The National Rowing Centre of Excellence (NRCE) has published an information handbook for the upcoming April National Selection Trials for the 2010 Senior A, Adaptive, Under 23 and Junior National Teams.
The Selection Trials Handbook (pdf, 248kb) provides invited coaches, athletes and support staff with the information necessary to operate effectively at the April Selection Regatta and Trials.
As part of the National Selection Policy, invited athletes competing at the Selection Trials are asked to fill out a Terms & Conditions Agreement (pdf, 32kb) and email it to Matt Bialkowski at the NRCE, mbialkowski@rowingaustralia.com.au. The original copy of the form must be submitted at the Athlete Briefing on Thursday, 22nd April 2010.
Following selection in a National Team, athletes may need to relocate to train in another city. Early planning for, and prior consideration of a number of factors related to, possible relocation will contribute to its success. The Athlete Career and Education (ACE) department of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has published a relocation guide (pdf, 300kb) for rowing with useful information. Further information is also available on the ASC website: www.ausport.gov.au/participating/career_and_education/resources/other_resources
All of the above information is available in the High Performance > Athletes & Coaches > Latest News section of this website.
Friday 19 March
Anti-Doping – alteration to the FISA Registered Testing Pool definition
FISA has announced new criteria have been announced for determining which rowers will be included in the 2010 FISA Registered Testing Pool. This is the group of rowers who are required by the World Anti-Doping Code to provide their whereabouts in order for unannounced anti-doping testing to take place efficiently.
These criteria include:
- All rowers having placed first in Olympic/ non Olympic/ Paralympic events at the previous year’s World Championships/ Olympic/ Paralympic Games.
- All rowers who have retired while included in the Registered Testing Pool and who have notified FISA of a return to competition will be included six months before their return and for one year following the return to competition.
- All rowers under a doping sanction intending to return to competition will be included six months before the end of the sanction and for one year following the end of the sanction.
In addition to this, the FISA Anti-Doping Committee shall also select rowers to be included into the pool from the following three groups (at the discretion of the FISA Anti-Doping Committee).
- Rowers having placed in the first three finishers in at least one of the two previous years in World Championships/ Rowing World Cups/ Olympic/ Paralympic Games/ Continental Games/ Continental Championships.
- Rowers from countries having participated in one of the two previous years in a FISA Rowing World Cup/ World Rowing Championship regatta but where little or no anti-doping testing has been conducted on rowers in their country in the previous two years by a national anti-doping agency.
- Rowers having competed in any international regatta based on analytical testing results or performance.
This new wording now replaces the previous wording in paragraph 5.5.2 of the FISA Anti-Doping Bye-Laws, following the guidance of the World Anti-Doping Code, Standards and Guidelines.
Additional information on this alteration is available at www.worldrowing.com/display/modules/news/dspNews.php?newid=324806
Friday 19 March
2010 Nationals on-demand footage online
The Rowing Australia community can now watch all the final day of the Australian National Championships from Nagambie on-demand on the World Championship Sports Network.
Rowing Australia, in conjunction with WCSN were proud to provide exceptional LIVE and FREE coverage of the 2010 Australian National Championships and now that footage of the Sunday Finals is available to watch again and again.
To be granted access you will need a WCSN subscription, which must be purchased through the WCSN website for as little as $12.95.
Not only will you be able to watch the 2010 Nationals, but you will also be able to view:
- The 2009 World Championships from Poznan in Poland
- The 2009 Rowing World Cup Events from Munich and Lucerne
- Highlights of the 2009 World Cup Event from Banyoles, Spain
- Plus Gymnastics, Sailing, Athletics, Badminton and Water Polo
And while you’re at the WCSN website, be sure to cast your vote in their current poll for your favourite 2010 National Rowing Championships moment.
If you have any issues you can email WCSN directly on info@wcsn.com.au
Rowing Australia, in conjunction with WCSN were proud to provide exceptional LIVE and FREE coverage of the 2010 Australian National Championships and now that footage of the Sunday Finals is available to watch again and again.
Friday 19 March
2010 National Championships
For full coverage – see the ROMS website
The 2010 National Rowing Championships website is active on ROMS. Check out all the stories, photos and race reports from another successful regatta at Victoria’s Lake Nagambie.
Wednesday 17 March
NZ Senior World Championships Supporters Tour
Rowing Australia, through its official travel management company, is offering an all inclusive Supporters Tours to the 2010 Senior World Rowing Championships in Lake Karapiro, New Zealand.
A range of packages are available with travel rates negotiated exclusively for Rowing Australia’s supporters. Read full details (pdf, 396kb). Availability is limited so contact Caylee Ibbs at Stage and Screen on (03) 8696 7048 or at cibbs@stageandscreen.com.au for further details and reservations!
Thursday 11 March
Initial Athlete invitation list for the April National Selection Trials
Rowing Australia announces its initial athlete invitation list (pdf, 260kb) for the April National Selection Trials for the 2010 Senior A, Adaptive, and Under 23 National Teams. The National Selection Trials will be used to select squads to compete at the 2010 World Cups, the Senior A World Championships, and the Under 23 World Championships.
Sunday 7 March
RA media release:
New South Wales stuns crowd with King’s Cup victory
New South Wales has stunned the Victorian crowd by winning the 2010 King’s Cup title, securing their third consecutive win in the men’s interstate eight race at Lake Nagambie, Victoria.
In breezy conditions the New South Welshman fought a close race, crossing the line in a time of 5:27.95 to defeat Victoria with South Australia third.
The light blues led right from the start, taking a slender half second lead over the 500m which increased a further second by halfway.
With crew members’ backing up from previous races Western Australia, and Queensland were never in the hunt, providing small competition for the remaining crews.
Heading into the final 500 metres, the increased work rate of the Victorians could do little to prevent a New South Wales win as Coxen Toby Lister stood in celebration with two strokes still to go.
New South Welshman, James Chapman, said he was proud to be part of a crew with such comradeship.
“We had a few injury troubles coming in but the guys just pulled together,” Chapman said
“It's not easy to win three in a row and we weren't about to let this one slip.”
The New South Wales crew was: James Chapman, Samuel Loch, Nicholas Hudson, Dominic Grimm, Nick Purnell, Matthew Ryan, Fergus Pragnell, Daniel Noonan and Cox, Toby Lister.
Victoria were triumphant in the men’s youth eight earlier in the afternoon in a time of 5:42.10 completing their domination of the youth eight categories with Western Australia and New South Wales third.
Victoria was also awarded the Rowing Australia Cup for overall winners of the Interstate Regatta.
For more information on all races please visit www.rowingaustralia.com.au
Photos available upon request.
For more information please call
Mark Hindle on 0406 496 209
Sunday 7 March
RA media release:
Sweet number six for Victorian Queen's Cup crew
Victoria has added yet another women’s eight title to their collection after taking out the penultimate race of the 2010 Interstate Regatta at Lake Nagambie, Victoria.
In the 12 years the race has been contested the Victorian’s have won the race an astonishing nine times, six of those in a row.
The Victorian crew came out of the blocks strongly and looked smooth as they took an early lead in the race. They maintained the advantage down the course to eventually cross the line in a time of 6:17.61 some six boat lengths ahead of the pack.
The race for second was tight with Queensland holding off a fast finishing Western Australia in third.
Victoria’s Emily Martin said despite the state’s stranglehold on the event the win still feels special.
“It doesn’t matter how many times we win this it still feels great,” Martin said
“We had a bit of a wobbly start but we finished off strongly for the big white vee.”
Queensland won the women’s youth eight in a time of 6:31.18 while Western Australia came second with Victoria coming home with the bronze.
Full Victorian Queen’s Cup squad was Joanna Gray, Robyn Selby Smith, Kim Crow, Sophie Robson, Pauline Frasca, Jessica Hill, Emily Martin, Phoebe Stanley and Cox, Lizzie Patrick.
Regatta information can be found at www.rowingaustralia.com.au
Photos available upon request.
For more information please call
Mark Hindle on 0406 496 209
Saturday 6 March
RA media release:
All eyes turn to rowings interstate battle
Hot conditions greeted all at Lake Nagambie on the final day of competition at the 2010 National Rowing Championships in Victoria.
The atmosphere is building as we draw closer tomorrow’s interstate battle. Many of the Day 6 finals would give spectators an indication as to which state may take home the Rowing Australia Cup for 2010’s best all-round state.
In a preview to tomorrow’s Penrith Cup, the star studded Tasmanian crew of Sam Beltz, Blair Tunevitsch, Anthony Edwards and Tom Gibson looked confident in the final of the men’s lightweight coxless four taking the gold medal by 4 seconds over the Western Australian crew of Nick Baker (TAS), Perry Ward, Ross Brown and Todd Skipworth.
Hannah Every-Hall and Tara Kelly continued Queensland’s domination of the female sculling categories by taking out the open women’s lightweight double sculls. Withstanding a fast finish by Tasmanian pair Ingrid Fenger and Carly Cottam, the Queenslanders crossed the line in a time of 7:11.99.
Another Queenslander, Sally Kehoe, continued her brilliant regatta by taking her second and third titles, winning the women’s double and quadruple sculls events in quick succession.
The Toowoomba girl paired with Kerry Hore (TAS), Sarah Cook (ACT) and Kim Crow (VIC) to win their quad scull final by a comfortable 12.79 seconds.
The All Australian team crew of Tom Larkins (VIC), Samuel Loch (NSW), Nick Purnell (NSW) and Josh Dunkley-Smith (VIC) scored a comfortable win in the open men’s coxless four in a time of 6:01.36 beating fellow Australian team members Matthew Ryan (NSW), Fergus Pragnell (NSW), Cameron McKenzie-McHarg (VIC) and James Marburg (VIC).
Alexander Belonogoff (NSW), David Kelly (WA), Nick Hudson (NSW) and Dan Noonan (NSW) overcome a top quality field to win the highly competitive quad scull title. Chris Morgan (SA) continued his fantastic comeback by coming in second with Tom Swann (VIC), Noe Guzman (NSW) and James McRae (SA) whilst David Crawshay (VIC), Jared Bidwell (QLD) Karsten Forsterling (VIC) and Duncan Free (QLD) came home a disappointing third.
With action in the 2010 National Championships coming to an end, all eyes will be on the Interstate Regatta due to begin 12.00 culminating in the King’s Cup starting at 1.45pm.
For the first time the 2010 Interstate Regatta will be shown live on the World Championship Sports Network (WCSN). For more information on our free coverage, please go to www.WCSN.com.au
For all the latest news and live results, please go to www.rowingaustralia.com.au
Photos are available upon request.
For more information please call
Mark Hindle on 0406 496 209
Saturday 6 March
RA media release:
King’s Cup set to provide explosive ending to Interstate Regatta
The Governor General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, will be on hand to witness what is shaping up to be a tremendous Kings Cup showdown to mark the end of the 2010 Australian Rowing Championships and Interstate Regatta at Lake Nagambie, Victoria.
Back to back champions, New South Wales (Lane 2) has been drawn next to arch rival and home state Victoria (Lane 3) which will only make the battle for the 91 year old prize more intriguing.
Since 1990 Victoria has won 15 Kings Cup titles are keen to break the streak of their northern neighbours in front of a boisterous home crowd.
Victorian Institute Senior Coach, Bill Tait says the home team are looking strong and eager to bring the Cup back to the garden state.
“Any time we represent Victoria is a big deal but to have the chance to break the New South Wales streak in front of our home crowd will certainly add a bit of spice.” Tait said. “The crew have trained well over the last few weeks and they’re all very keen to bring home the result tomorrow.”
The Interstate Regatta, which serves as the conclusion of the Australian Rowing Championships, features eight races across a number of boat classes and is considered the “State of Origin” of Australian rowing.
The Men’s single scull is set to be a classic duel. Fresh from his upset victory in the National Championships on Friday, Chris Morgan will be looking to win South Australia’s first Presidents Cup since 1988. Victoria’s David Crawshay will be looking to avenge his loss in the national title race; they will both have to overcome Jared Bidwell (QLD) and David Kelly (WA) who will be in contention for a placing.
The Penrith Cup, awarded to the winner of the men’s lightweight coxless four is once again expected to be a battle between Tasmania and Western Australia. The two states have shared the trophy since 1999; with three Olympians in the crew Tasmania will enter this year’s race as favourites.
Following her disappointing bronze in national championship race, Queensland’s Pippa Savage will be looking to win her state’s fourth consecutive Nell Slatter Trophy in the women’s single scull. A red hot field will see this race go down to the wire.
The women’s lightweight quad will be no less interesting, much like their counterparts in the men’s event, the Tasmanian’s will enter the race as hot favourites but will be expecting a tough race from the Queensland crew led by comeback queens Hannah Every-Hall and Tara Kelly.
The men’s and women’s youth eights feature as the 5th and 6th events on the Interstate program. Queensland’s women will be looking to claim their third consecutive Bicentenary Cup, while Victoria will look to do the same in the men’s Noel F. Wilkinson Trophy.
Victoria will enter the Queen’s Cup for the open women’s eight as overwhelming favourites. After winning the title two years in a row they will be hard to beat on home turf.
The Interstate Regatta will be shown live and free on the World Championship Sports Network (WCSN) at www.wcsn.com.au
Photos are available upon request.
For more information please call
Mark Hindle on 0406 496 209
Friday 5 March
RA media release:
Australia’s elite dominate events at national titles
As finals day of the 2010 National Rowing Championships continues at Lake Nagambie in Victoria, Australia’s elite rowers have risen to the challenging conditions as competition for National selection heats up.
Olympians Sam Beltz and Anthony Edwards have continued Tasmania’s good run of results in the men’s lightweight coxless pair category in emphatic style.
The Lindisfarne/New Norfolk crew were never headed in their final, leading home fellow Tasmanians Alister Foot and Tom Gibson by 4.36 seconds, recording a winning time of 6:36.08. The Western Australian pair of Ross Brown and Perry Ward crossing the line third.
An all-Australian team showdown beckoned for the final of the open men’s coxless pairs with the Australian men’s eight pair of Victorian duo Tom Larkins and Josh Dunkley Smith looking to convert their favouritism into the Ted Bromley Memorial Trophy.
The pair of Olympian Sam Loch (NSW) and 2009 U23 World Championship competitor Nick Purnell (NSW) were quick to the lead from the front with the Victorian duo of Cameron McKenzie-McHarg and James Marburg close behind.
Olympic and World Championship Silver quad members Marburg and McKenzie-McHarg took the coveted trophy in a time of 6:26.72 over Larkins/Dunkley-Smith and Loch/Purnell.
According to McKenzie-McHarg “It was good fun, probably one of the highest standards in a Pair event at a national level that I’ve been involved in. Three crews out in front the whole way down and no one was letting up.”
Meanwhile, Todd Skipworth added another Australian title to his collection with a solid victory in the final of the men’s lightweight single scull.
The West Australian, who represented Australia in Beijing in the men’s lightweight four, led from start to finish winning in a time of 7:16.94 ahead of Lindisfarne rower Shaun Finlayson and Scott Penning from the Barwon Club.
Finals continue tomorrow with the feature races including the men’s and women’s quad scull before the 2010 Interstate Regatta kicks off on Sunday. This year you can watch the entire day’s action on the World Championship Sports Network (WCSN) free. Go to www.wcsn.com.au for more information.
Stay up to date with all the news and results as they happen at www.rowingaustralia.com.au
Photos are available upon request.
For more information please call
Mark Hindle on 0406 496 209
Thursday 4 March
RA media release:
Club format hits water as Lake Nagambie gets ready for big-names in Friday finals
Surrounded by beautiful conditions, Day 4 of the 2010 Australian Rowing Championships witnessed a new era for the National Regatta ahead of a blockbuster Day 5 on Friday.
2010 saw the reintroduction of two club only events at the Regatta. It is hoped the men’s and women’s double and quad club events, will reinvigorate the sport at club level and provide a more equal playing field from which club rowers can develop into stronger athletes.
After a short Day 4, all thoughts moved to a busy day of finals scheduled for Friday. With Olympians, World Champions and Australian Representatives present in all categories, the racing will be sensational as the competition for 2010 National Team selection heats up.
The final of the women’s single scull will see two-time National Champion and Beijing Olympian Pippa Savage (QLD) race against 2009 National Champion and fellow Queenslander Sally Kehoe. Both rowers looked comfortable in their semi-final, easing off over the finish line reserving energy ahead of a busy weekend schedule.
The Queensland pair will have to overcome stiff competition from Australian Team members Brooke Pratley (NSW), Kerry Hore (TAS), Kim Crow (VIC) and Sarah Cook (ACT) if they are to continue their three year domination of the event.
In what promises to be a highlight of the regatta, a red hot field will line up for the men’s open singles scull. 2008 Beijing Gold medallist David Crawshay (VIC) will go into the final as favourite after securing the title twice in the last three years. 2008 National Champion Dan Noonan (NSW) will be keen to take back the title, with Olympians Karsten Forsterling (VIC), Chris Morgan (SA), World Championship Silver Medallist Jared Bidwell (QLD) and Australian Representative David Kelly (WA) all eager to take the title for the first time.
2008 women’s lightweight quad scull World Champion crew members, Ingrid Fenger (TAS), Bronwen Watson (NSW) and Alice McNamara (VIC) will once again battle for the women’s lightweight single scull crown. The trio will have to be at their best if they are to overcome NSW and QLD State Champion Hannah Every-Hall (QLD) and Under 23 World Championship representative Maja Fiddler (SA).
The open men’s coxless pairs will provide yet another all Australian shootout with four of the teams boasting Olympic or World Championship competitors. The New South Wales crew of Matt Ryan and Fergus Pragnell were impressive in winning their heat; they will come up against the Victorian crews of James Marburg / Cameron McKenzie-McHarg and Tom Larkins / Joshua Dunkley-Smith.
Stay up to date with all the racing live at www.rowingaustralia.com.au
Photos are available upon request.
For more information please call
Mark Hindle on 0406 496 209
Wednesday 3 March
RA media release:
Queenslanders lead way into finals
For the second year running the Queensland pair of Pippa Savage and Sally Kehoe stormed into the finals of the open women’s single scull as Day 3 of the Australian Rowing Championships began at Lake Nagambie, Victoria.
In perfect rowing conditions, the duo looked comfortable in semi final number 1. Winner of the National Titles in 2007 and 2008, Savage took the win in a time of 7:48.81 ahead of 2009 Champion Kehoe with both rowers easing their way to the line in the last 100 metres.
The Queenslander’s will be joined in Friday mornings A- Final by fellow Australian Team members Brooke Pratley (NSW), Kerry Hore (TAS), Kim Crow (VIC) and Sarah Cook (ACT) in what is sure to be an unforgettable event.
Chris Morgan (SA) and David Crawshay (VIC) won their respective semi-finals of the men’s open single scull event.
Returning from a break after the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Morgan rowed strongly as he set a time of 7:12.19, leading home fellow Olympian Karsten Forsterling (VIC) and World Championship Silver medallist Jared Bidwell (QLD).
As expected, multiple Australian Champion and Olympic Gold medallist David Crawshay confirmed his favouritism for the event recording a 7:13.84 time to take the win over Dan Noonan (NSW) and David Kelly (WA).
Friday morning’s final is sure to provide a preview of what can be expected of the Presidents Cup race which will take place on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the final of the women’s lightweight singles will be another all Australian Representative affair after Hannah Every-Hall (QLD) qualified fastest recording a 8:01.16 in the first semi-final.
Every-Hall, who is the Current NSW and QLD lightweight champion, looked strong as she finished ahead of previous National Champions Alice McNamara (VIC) and Bronwen Watson (NSW).
2006 National Champion Tara Kelly (QLD) won the second semi-final, with Tasmania’s Ingrid Fenger and Maja Fiddler (SA) to join her in Friday morning’s final.
Follow all the racing live on www.rowingaustralia.com.au
Photos are available upon request.
For more information please call
Mark Hindle on 0406 496 209
Tuesday 2 March
RA media release:
Australian Team dominates National Championships
With the wind dropping off over night, Day 2 of the 2010 Australian Rowing Championships and Interstate Regatta saw a welcome return to racing.
Today’s heats centred on the Open Men’s and Women’s Double Scull’s with many of Australia’s elite rowers looking to progress through the week.
Australian representatives Sally Kehoe (QLD) and Kim Crow (VIC), battled with Kerry Hore (TAS) and Sarah Cook (NSW) from start to finish, qualifying fastest for the final in a time of 7:34.27. The combination of Amber Bradley (WA) and Amy Ives (NSW) took out the second heat.
The Men’s Double Scull’s saw the Victorian pair of Olympic gold winner, David Crawshay and Beijing Olympian Karsten Forsterling set the fastest time in the heats of 6.59:04. World Championship Silver medallists, Dan Noonan (NSW) and Nick Hudson (NSW) also progressed to the finals after winning heat number two.
The repechages of the open men’s single sculls were hotly contested with, Jared Bidwell (QLD) and Nick Hudson (NSW) both qualifying for tomorrow’s semi finals.
Australian representatives Natalie Bale (WA), Laura Osti (SA) and Kim Brown (QLD) all progressed through to tomorrow’s semi-finals of the Women’s Single Scull. This event is sure to be a highlight with a strong field led by Pippa Savage (QLD) all looking to make the final on Friday.
Tom Larkins and Josh Dunkley–Smith led fellow 2009 World Championship competitors James Marburg and Cameron McKenzie-McHarg in qualifying for the Men’s Coxless Pairs final on Friday.
The remainder of the day saw competition in the underage classes.
Stay up to date with live racing, results and reports at www.rowingaustralia.com.au
Photos are available upon request.
For more information please call
Mark Hindle on 0406 496 209
Monday 1 March
RA media release:
Stars shine despite difficult conditions at National Championships
Day one of the 2010 Australian Rowing Championships at Lake Nagambie, Victoria, began amidst windy conditions forcing a format change to time trials for the days events.
Regardless of the change in format, the majority of Australia’s National Team progressed safely into their respective semi-finals.
The women’s open single has seen the 2009 World Championship Double Scull crew of Sally Kehoe (QLD) and Pippa Savage (QLD) dominate the field, moving directly into the semi-finals. Tasmanian Kerry Hore came in third, just 2 seconds behind.
The men’s single scull featured a hotly contested field, the winner of each heat progressing directly to the semi-final.
David Crawshay (VIC), Dan Noonan (NSW), James McRae (SA) and Chris Morgan (SA) were victorious in their respective heats.
The New South Wales combination of Samuel Lock and Nick Purnell set the fastest time in the men’s pair event, moving ahead to the semi-finals along with fellow statesmen Matthew Ryan and Fergus Pragnell.
Hannah Every-Hall (QLD) set the fastest time in the heats of the women’s single lightweight scull. Every-Hall, coming back after an extended break from the sport, will face stiff opposition against former world champions Alice McNamara (VIC) and Ingrid Fenger (TAS) when the event continues later in the week.
Under age racing will occupy all of the afternoon racing, before heats of the men’s and women’s double scull begin on Tuesday.
For information on all races please go to www.rowingaustralia.com.au
For more information please call
Mark Hindle on 0406 496 209
mark@contentgroup.com.au
