Mature Members Bring Home Medals – By Krystin Munro

The mature members of SRC migrated north to compete at the 2016 Australian Masters Rowing Championships held at Lake Kawana, Bokarina a suburb of the Sunshine Coast.  The first SRC person I spotted was Dorothy De George, who arrived at the athlete’s briefing in her stylish SRC blazer – the only athlete to wear full club blazer.  It was Tony Brown who noted this and commented to the crowd.  Tony was invited by Rowing QLD to oversee “Field of Play” – with his knowledge of the equipment he was a great resource and his efforts were very much appreciated by all.

Steve Handley’s Legends – Australian Champions 2016:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb_KriwsYJQ

A total of 41 athletes travelled up and were supposed to compete in 21 events.  A total of 17 medals were won – 7 Gold – 4 Silver and 6 Bronze.  Not only did athletes travel but support crew as well – Skello was the first person I saw wearing the volunteer polo.

Masters Men’s D8 win NSW Championships:

The Sunshine Coast unfortunately did not live up to its name – the conditions were rough to say the least – but all the Sydney rowers kept smiling and racing to the best of their ability.  Ken Ambler was listed as competing in a total of 11 races – a great effort for any age.  Due to the conditions racing was postponed on Saturday morning – racing commenced at 1.30pm.  All the Interstate races saw great competition between states.  Sunday the rain stopped but so did the rowing due to the strong winds, with the boat holders not able to hold boats.  Running starts were tried but were not successful.

Men’s Master’s D8 training:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMb_l0h1xOc

Rowing Queensland hosted the event and made every effort to make the Regatta enjoyable for all – The stadium across the road provided some shelter and also made for a great presentation area.  The Wallabies had a closed session in the Sunshine Stadium they also wandered down to look at the Rowing.  They could not handle the weather conditions – not as tough and committed as rowers – they left and the rowers stayed.

It was great to see the spirit of Sydney Rowing Club shining even though the sun was not.