Australian Masters 2013 Rowing Championships
RA media release: Olympians headline centenary national masters regatta
A record 1076 athletes from 108 clubs in Australia, New Zealand and the USA assembled in Canberra to compete in Rowing Australia's annual national regatta, the 2013 Australian Masters Rowing Championships.
The 2013 Australian Masters Rowing Championships has attracted 15 Olympians including Olympic medallists Peter Antonie (OAM, VIC), Neville Howell (VIC) - 1956, Adrian Monger (WA) - 1956, Bruce Hick (OAM, ACT) and Michael Toon (QLD).
A feature of the regatta will be the exhibition row of a K8 (average age 85 years) and a race of two K double sculls comprising Jack Boerma 89 and Ted James 86 against Rod Keable 82 and Dick Bales 88.
"Rowing ACT is delighted to be hosting this national regatta for the first time since 1964, when the National Club Rowing Regatta took place on Lake Burley Griffin just after the lake was completed," said Ann Landrigan, Chair of the Australian Masters Rowing Championships organising committee.
"We had hoped to have around 750 competitors take part, so we have been overwhelmed to receive entries of over 1000 individuals in more than 1600 crews.
"Our athletes are aged from 27 and 89, and an equal number of women and men will be participating in 160 events (430 races) over four days.
"Masters rowers tend not to be interested in course records so much, just winning and having a good time. It's all a great social event for people," said Ms Landrigan.
The 2013 Australian Masters Rowing Championships was run from Weston Park on 25 to 28 April 2013.