Members from the SUBC brought home Gold Medals for NSW in three events at the Youth Cup Regatta in Adelaide during October. NSW took out the 8+, 4- and 2-. In the under 21 youth age group, each state has 9 representatives who must all compete in three events, a small, medium and large boat.
SUBC rowers: Ian Allsop, Damon Hietbrink, Alex Field, Rupert Sheridan and Ben Vining joined forces with Jon Cole, James Harding and Chad Pamer, all from Nepean Rowing Club and Cox Toby Lister from SHORE School.
The NSW 8+ easily defeated New Zealand North Island and Queensland in the final on the windy course at West Lakes.
Ian, Damon, Alex and Rupert won the 4- and Damon and Rupert won their division in the 2-, taking out a hattrick of 3 wins from the 3 events they entered.
At the event, a sport psychologist spoke to all the teams from around Australia and new Zealand about the importance of preparing mentally as well as physically. We took this into account when preparing the following day for the 8+ race. After winning our heat, we relaxed, but stayed focused until it was time to begin the warm up preparation and really switch on. We had the race won in our minds before we even got on the water.