The anticipation was palpable as the Radford Rowing team hit the smooth waters of the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) bright and early Monday morning to kick off Day 1 of the Australian Rowing Championships! All eyes were on the single scull heats in the morning, with nearly every U17 and U19 Radford rower lined up at the starting line, ready to give it their all.

This being a national championship, the competition was fierce, with schools and clubs from across Australia vying for victory. Those placing first, progressed straight to the semi-finals, while the rest prepared for the sudden-death repechage round.

The action continued with the doubles races for both age groups, following the same format of intense competition and high stakes.

As the sun set on an exhilarating day of racing, our team returned to the Western Sydney University Campus Village and were impressed by the spacious student apartment living. The only challenge? The absence of Wi-Fi! We also celebrated our fearless Head of Rowing, Gordon Marcks' birthday.

Day 1 Results

• U19 Womens Single – Zara Turner – 3rd in Heat, through to repechage.
• U19 Womens Single – Zoe Hickey – 7th in Heat, through to repechage.
• U19 Mens Single – Josh Miller – 4th in Heat, through to repechage.
• U19 Mens Single – Angus Scott – 2nd in Heat, through to repechage.
• U19 Mens Single – Rohan White – 5th in Heat, through to repechage.
• U19 Mens Single – Connor Malouf – 1st in Heat, through to Semi-Final.
  
• U19 Womens Double – Coco Guenther | Amelie Brennan – 5th in Heat, through to repechage.
• U19 Mens Double – Euan Greig | Hamish Whithear – 2nd in Heat, through to repechage.
• U19 Mens Double – Connor Malouf | Angus Scott – 1st in Heat, through to Semi-Final
• U19 Mens Double – Hamish Gaden | Hamish McKee – 4th in Heat, through to repechage.
  
• U17 Womens Single – Gigi Hickey – 5th in Heat, through to repechage.
• U17 Womens Single – Isobel Egan – 5th in Heat, through to repechage.
• U17 Womens Single – Hanna Koch – 6th in Heat, through to repechage.
• U17 Womens Single – Lucy Mihaljevic – 7th in Heat, through to repechage.
• U17 Womens Double – Isobel Egan | Gigi Hickey – 3rd in Heat, through to repechage.
• U17 Womens Double – Hanna Koch | Lucy Mihaljevic – 2nd in Heat, through to repechage.
• U17 Mens Single – Charlie Knight – 2nd in Heat, through to repechage.
• U17 Mens Single – Benjamin Beswick – 5th in Heat, through to repechage.
• U17 Mens Single – Oliver Hoorweg – 5th in Heat, through to repechage.
• U17 Mens Single – Lincoln Uren – 6th in Heat, through to repechage.
• U17 Mens Double – Oliver Hoorweg | Benjamin Beswick – 6th in Heat, through to repechage.
• U17 Mens Double – Charlie Knight | Lincoln Uren – 5th in Heat, through to repechage.

Another scorching day on the water, but our Radford crews handled the heat like champions! Our rowers gave it their all in the single and double scull repechages, aiming to secure a top 2 spot in each race for a coveted place in the semi-finals.

A special shoutout to our dedicated coaches, who pedalled alongside our boats on bikes, providing guidance and support every stroke of the way! And let's not forget our incredible Friends of Radford Rowing parents, who go above and beyond to ensure our team is fuelled and ready to compete, even staying late to prepare a delicious team BBQ. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication!

Day 2 Results

• U19 Womens Single – Zara Turner – 1st Repechage – through to semi-final.
• U19 Womens Single – Zoe Hickey – 7th Repechage.
• U19 Mens Single – Josh Miller – 4th Repechage.
• U19 Mens Single – Angus Scott – 3rd Repechage.
• U19 Mens Single – Rohan White – 3rd Repechage.
• U19 Womens Double – Coco Guenther | Amelie Brennan – 4th Repechage.
• U19 Mens Double – Euan Greig | Hamish Whithear – 5th Repechage.
• U19 Mens Double – Hamish Gaden | Hamish McKee – 2nd Repechage – through to semi-final.
  
• U17 Womens Single – Gigi Hickey – 6th Repechage.
• U17 Womens Single – Isobel Egan – 3rd Repechage.
• U17 Womens Single – Hanna Koch – 7th Repechage.
• U17 Womens Single – Lucy Mihaljevic – 4th Repechage.
• U17 Womens Double – Isobel Egan | Gigi Hickey – 2nd Repechage - through to semi-final.
• U17 Womens Double – Hanna Koch | Lucy Mihaljevic – 5th Repechage.
• U17 Mens Single – Charlie Knight – 4th Repechage.
• U17 Mens Single – Benjamin Beswick – 5th Repechage.
• U17 Mens Single – Oliver Hoorweg – 4th Repechage.
• U17 Mens Single – Lincoln Uren – 6th Repechage.
• U17 Mens Double – Oliver Hoorweg | Ben Beswick – 6th Repechage.
• U17 Mens Double – Charlie Knight | Lincoln Uren – 5th Repechage.

Day 3 at the Australian Rowing Championships kicked off with an unexpected 3.50 am fire alarm, giving our rowers an early wake-up call! After practicing the WSU fire drill procedures, we were back in bed by 4.30 am, hoping for a few more hours of rest before the big day ahead.

Despite the early start, our rowers showed incredible resilience and determination on the water. Zara Turner shone bright, securing 3rd place in the U19 Women's single scull semi-final, marking Radford's first Nationals final berth!

In the U19 Mens single scull semi-final, Connor Malouf showcased his skills but missed out on a spot in the final. Our U17 womens double duo of Zoe Hickey and Isobel Egan gave it their all but faced tough competition in their semi-final and were unable to make it through to the final.

The 'Hamish Squared' crew, consisting of Hamish McKee and Hamish Gaden, fought admirably in the U19 Mens Double semi-final.

In a thrilling finish, Connor Malouf and Angus Scott narrowly missed out on progressing to the U19 Men's Double final by a mere 0.15 seconds!

We also had our U17 coxed quad initially crossing the line in 1st place, only to be relegated to the repechage due to a random boat weight check – a valuable lesson learned.

Despite the challenges, our rowers pressed on, with the U17 Mens coxed quad and U19 coxless quad showcasing their talent and determination.

Day 3 Results

• U19 Womens Single – Zara Turner – 3rd in Semi Final #2
• U19 Mens Single – Connor Malouf – 9th in Semi Final #1
• U17 Womens Double – Isobel Egan | Gigi Hickey – 5th in Semi Final #2
• U19 Mens Double – Hamish Gaden | Hamish McKee – 6th in Semi Final #1
• U19 Mens Double – Connor Malouf | Angus Scott – 5th in Semi Final #2
• U17 Womens Coxed Quad – Isobel Egan | Gigi Hickey | Lucy Mihaljevic | Hanna Koch | Will Huang (C) – 1st in Heat 6, then relegated to the repechage due to incorrect boat weight.
• U17 Mens Coxed Quad – Charlie Knight | Oliver Hoorweg | Ben Beswick | Lincoln Uren | Jackson Thew – 3rd in Heat 2, progress to the repechage.
• U19 Mens Quad – Hamish Gaden | Hamish McKee | Josh Miller | Rohan White – 2nd in Heat 2, progress to the semi-final

Day 4 brought more thrilling action on the water at the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) as Radford's rowers showcased their talent and determination!

Zara Turner continued to shine, delivering an outstanding performance in the U19 Womens single scull final, securing 6th place overall in Australia – congratulations, Zara! After a short break, she powered through to the Schoolgirls Single Scull heats, placing 1st in her heat and advancing to the semi-final!

Our U17 Women's Coxed Quad showed incredible determination but narrowly missed out on progression, finishing 4th in the repechage event. Similarly, the U17 Men's Coxed Quad gave it their all, achieving a personal best time and securing 3rd place.

Despite some windy conditions, our seniors took to the water with determination. The Schoolgirls Coxed Quad executed their race plan flawlessly, securing 2nd place and advancing to the repechage.

The Schoolboys Coxed Quad also gave it their all, with the B Quad securing 3rd place in their heat and moving into the repechage. The A Quad delivered an exceptional performance, clinching 1st place and securing a spot in the semi-final!

As the winds picked up and the temperatures dropped, our rowers displayed resilience and determination, leaving it all on the water.

Day 4 Results

• U19 Womens Single – Zara Turner – 6th in FINAL
• U17 Womens Coxed Quad – Isobel Egan | Gigi Hickey | Lucy Mihaljevic | Hanna Koch | Will Huang (C) – placed 3rd in the repechage.
• U17 Mens Coxed Quad – Charlie Knight | Oliver Hoorweg | Ben Beswick | Lincoln Uren | Jackson Thew – placed 3rd in the repechage.
• Schoolgirls Single Scull – Zara Turner - 1st in Heat, progresses to the semi-final.
• Schoolgirls Coxed Quad – Amelie Brennan | Zara Turner | Coco Guenther | Zoe Hickey | Charles Kendall (C) – 2nd in Heat, progresses to the repecharge.
• Schoolboys Coxed Quad – Josh Miller | Euan Greig | Rohan White | Hamish Whithear | Moira Geraghty (C) - 3rd in Heat, progresses to repechage.
• Schoolboys Coxed Quad – Connor Malouf | Angus Scott | Hamish Gaden | Hamish McKee | Izzy Faris (C) - 1st in Heat, progresses to the semi-final.

Day 5 saw the Radford Rowing team in action once again, showcasing their strength and determination on the water!

First up were our U19 Men's Coxless Quad who put on an impressive display in their semi-final, securing a strong 3rd place and earning a spot in the final – fantastic effort, team!

Next, our Schoolgirl Coxed Quad faced a challenging repechage race, but led by cox Charles Kendall, they raced brilliantly, clinching 2nd place and securing a spot in the semi-final – well done, girls!

In the final race of the day, our Schoolboy Coxed B Quad showed their resilience in the repechage, delivering a powerful performance and securing 2nd place, earning a spot in the final – great work, boys!

Day 5 Results

• U19 Mens Quad – Hamish Gaden | Hamish McKee | Josh Miller | Rohan White - 3rd in Semi Final, progress to Final.
• Schoolgirl Coxed Quad – Amelie Brennan | Zara Turner | Coco Guenther | Zoe Hickey | Charles Kendall (C) – 2nd in repechage, progress to semi-final.
• Schoolboy Coxed Quad – Josh Miller | Euan Greig | Rohan White | Hamish Whithear | Moira Geraghty (C) – 2nd in repechage, progress to semi-final.

Saturday brought the heat for Radford Rowing, with non-stop action from 8:30 am until 5:10 pm – and what a day it was!

Kicking off the morning, our U19 Coxless Quad showed incredible determination in a tough final, finishing as the 8th fastest crew in Australia – outstanding effort, team!

Zara Turner set the pace in the Schoolgirls Single Scull, finishing in an impressive 2nd place and securing a prime lane for the final.

The Schoolgirl Coxed Quad achieved a monumental milestone, making it to the Nationals final in a very competitive field – a huge achievement for our senior girls.

In the semi-finals, our A and B Schoolboy Coxed Quads gave it their all, with the A Quad clinching 1st place and advancing to the final, while the B Quad displayed incredible spirit despite placing 5th.

The excitement continued with the Schoolgirl and Schoolboy Coxed Quad Sprints, where our teams battled fiercely. Although not every race went our way, the Senior Boys A Quad emerged victorious, claiming the Bronze medal in a thrilling final – a well-deserved achievement after a day of intense competition!

Huge congratulations to all our rowers for their remarkable performances – you've made us proud!

Day 6 Results

• U19 Men's Coxless Quad – Hamish Gaden | Hamish McKee | Josh Miller | Rohan White – 8th in Final
• Schoolgirls Single Scull – Zara Turner - 2nd in Semi-Final #1
• Schoolgirl Coxed Quad – Amelie Brennan | Zara Turner | Coco Guenther | Zoe Hickey | Charles Kendall (C) – 4th in Semi-Final #1
• Schoolboy Coxed Quad – Josh Miller | Euan Greig | Rohan White | Hamish Whithear | Moira Geraghty (C) – 5th in Semi-Final #1
• Schoolboys Coxed Quad – Connor Malouf | Angus Scott | Hamish Gaden | Hamish McKee | Izzy Faris (C) – 1st in Semi-Final #2
• Schoolgirl Coxed Quad Sprint – Amelie Brennan | Zara Turner | Coco Guenther | Zoe Hickey | Charles Kendall (C) – 5th in Heat 1
• Schoolboy Coxed Quad Sprint – Josh Miller | Euan Greig | Rohan White | Hamish Whithear | Moira Geraghty (C) – 4th in Heat 2
• Schoolboy Coxed Quad Sprint – Connor Malouf | Angus Scott | Hamish Gaden | Hamish McKee | Izzy Faris (C) – 1st in Heat 4
• Schoolboy Coxed Quad Sprint – Connor Malouf | Angus Scott | Hamish Gaden | Hamish McKee | Izzy Faris (C) – 3rd in Final (Bronze medal)

What a way to wrap up the Australian National Championships – Radford Rowing has truly shone on this super Sunday, bringing home an array of medals and making us all proud.

Kicking off the day, our Schoolboy Coxed B Quad left it all on the water in the B final, securing a phenomenal 2nd place and clinching 10th overall in Australia – incredible effort, team!

Next up, the highly anticipated Schoolgirls Single Scull saw Zara Turner dominate the course, executing her race plan flawlessly and crossing the finish line as the newly crowned National Champion – huge congratulations, Zara, on your well-deserved gold medal!

Our Schoolgirls Coxed Quad then showcased their strength and determination, finishing 9th overall in Australia – a remarkable achievement for this outstanding crew.

Finally, the Schoolboy Coxed Quad brought the competition to a thrilling close, storming from 4th place to clinch a Silver Medal in a sensational last-minute surge – outstanding performance, gents!

With 1 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze medal, Radford Rowing has once again proven its prowess on the national stage, ranking as the top ACT School and securing our status as National Champions alongside Marist – what an incredible achievement!

A huge congratulations to all our rowers, coaches, and supporters for an unforgettable season – your hard work, dedication, and spirit have truly paid off. Here's to more success in the future.