Rowing Australia has selected three Under 19 athletes to represent the nation at the 2024 World Beach Sprint Championships in Genoa, Italy, from September 13-15.
These talented rowers have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication and deserve their spots on the Coastal and Beach Sprint Team.
Oscar Scheelgamborg from Northern Beaches Secondary College and Mosman Rowing Club will be competing in the Men's Under 19 Single Scull (MU19 1x) and teaming up with Sam Forbes in the Men's Under 19 Double Scull (MU19 2x).
Sam Forbes, representing the University of Queensland Rowing Club, will not only join Oscar in the MU19 2X but will also compete in the Under 19 Mixed Double Scull (U19 Mix2x) alongside Astrid Thomas.
Astrid Thomas, from Brisbane Girls' Grammar School and the University of Queensland Boat Club, will race in the Women's Under 19 Single Scull (WU19 1x) and partner with Forbes in the U19 Mixed 2X.
The coaching team, led by Laryssa Biesenthal OLY, will include Michael Russel (Mixed Junior 2X - Astrid Thomas/Sam Forbes), Elliot Shackcloth-Bertinetti (Junior Men's 1X - Oscar Scheelgamborg, Junior Men's 2X - Oscar Scheelgamborg/Sam Forbes).
“We are looking forward to a strong representation from our U19 athletes this year at the 2024 Beach Sprint World Championships. All three were very close to making the underage still water Australian World Championship team and it is exciting to see the speed and skill transition to the Beach Sprint discipline from these pathway athletes,” Biesenthal said.
"Racing at a World Championship event offers the opportunity for these up-and-coming athletes to continue to build their physical, technical, and mental rowing skillset, along with the tactical, environmental and running elements that Beach Sprint requires.
“The Beach Sprint World Championship Regatta also provides the chance for these young athletes to compete at the same regatta as the top senior athletes in the world, offering a unique mentorship opportunity to be on the same course and venue as some of the top rowers globally."
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