Torquay rower earns Hall of Fame honour

A TORQUAY surf rower has become just the third member from her local club to be inducted into the Victorian Surf Rowers League Hall of Fame.

Mel Russell was presented with the prestigious award at last month’s VRSL Hall of Fame ceremony at the Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club.

 

She joins her father John “Moose” Russell and the late John Pettigrove as Torquay life members who have been elevated into the top order.

Russell is an International Life Saving World Championships gold medallist, six-time state champion, seven-time Victorian state team representative, Australian finalist and ASRL Championships silver medallist.

 

She said it was an absolute honour to be recognised for her dedication to surf boat rowing.

“To receive an individual award for achievements in a team sport is something I will be processing for some time.

“There are so many amazing rowers that have come before me. To be put in the same category as some of them is incredible.”

She said paid tribute to her father for being a huge inspiration for her success.

“Moose you are a hero of the sport, and I would never have considered rowing in 8ft surf if you didn’t do it every weekend growing up on the beach.”

 

Russell said beyond the accolades, it has been the friendships she has made along the way that has brought her the most joy during her career.

“I’ve met so many amazing strong women rowers who have been such great inspirations and role models for me.

“Sometimes the accomplishments and the winning happens, and sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes the waves aren’t in your favour.

“It’s the journey to get there with the crew you’re with and the people you meet which is the long-lasting memory.”

Also inducted on the evening was former Torquay rower and bow partner Lara Jeffery, a pioneer of Torquay’s first ever Open Women’s Victorian Championship crew.

“Being inducted alongside Lara made the night extra special,” Russell added.

“She’s been there for a lot of the journey and was in my first ever crew when we won the world championships too. It was great to see her recognised.”