Medal haul at masters regatta

BALLARAT rowers made a splash at the Australian Masters Rowing Championships on the Penrith Olympic course in New South Wales last weekend.

Wendouree-Ballarat Rowing Club’s Lee-Anne Martin, Andrew Leehane, and Bec Gribble came away with multiple medals, as did Ballarat City Rowing Club’s Kathy Lloyd.

Martin won gold in a Melbourne composite women’s D quad, and in a mixed double scull with Leehane, while Lloyd won silver in the women’s F quad, and the women’s E eight.

Gribble took home silver medals in a Carrum composite women’s B four, a Carrum composite women’s A four, and a Yarra Yarra composite women’s C four.

Martin and Leehane also won silver together in a Corowa composite mixed D quad, while in a Richmond composite women’s E double scull, Martin took another silver medal.

“The competition up there was very strong,” Martin said. “Over the last couple of years, coming back after COVID, the competition has been really strong.

“It was really good to come away with such a good bag of bling as well, and I’m looking forward to next year at Lake Barrington in Tasmania.”

Martin said all masters events are social occasions, with many rowers teaming up with those outside their home clubs.

“It’s always nice to be able to meet up with friends and jump in boat and have a row, that’s a really good part of the sport,” she said.

“We’re serious on the water, but to meet new people, jump in the boat and experience something special together in getting on the podium is really nice.

“Training styles can differ, but the skill levels fit, and we adapt well in really well.”