Australia’s top rowers will look to strike an early blow in the 2011 selection battle as they take to the water in the New South Wales
Australia’s top rowers will look to strike an early blow in the 2011 selection battle as they take to the water in the New South Wales State Championships starting tomorrow at the Sydney International Regatta Centre.
The regatta offers the competitive returns of a number of Olympians, with 2008 Beijing Olympic gold medallists Drew Ginn (VIC) and Scott Brennan (TAS) both available for selection in 2011.
Triple Olympic gold medallist Ginn will partner Joshua Dunkley Smith (VIC) in the men’s pair, and also row in a men’s four, while Brennan will row in the men’s single scull and then combine with Karsten Forsterling (VIC) in the men’s double scull.
Rowing Australia National High Performance Director Andrew Matheson said the return of more Olympians to the program is a massive boost.
“We made great steps forward in 2010 and won eight medals at the World Championships, but the return of guys of the calibre of Scott and Drew is always welcomed,” Matheson said.
“When you throw in the return of Sam Conrad and Duncan Free coming back across to the sweep program it will create a good battle for places in the men’s four, eight and pair. We are just going to have to look closely at which of these boats gains priority.”
The men’s single and double scull promises some tight racing over the weekend with no fewer than eight rowers set to challenge for medals.
Aside from Brennan and Forsterling, David Crawshay (VIC) will row with Chris Morgan (SA), Jared Bidwell (QLD) will partner Dan Noonan (NSW) and Nicholas Hudson (NSW) will row with James McRae (SA).
Kim Crow (VIC) and Kerry Hore (TAS) will look to continue their strong combination in the women’s double scull after winning the silver medal at the 2010 World Rowing Championships. Their main competition will come from Sally Kehoe (QLD) and Brooke Pratley (NSW).
In the women’s pair dual Olympian Sarah Tait (VIC) will race with Phoebe Stanley (VIC), while Pauline Frasca will row with Kate Hornsey (TAS).
The NSW State Championships will provide all aspiring Australian team members with a good warm up regatta ahead of the 2011 Australian Rowing Championships in Adelaide from March 7-13.
Rowing Australia
