Sydney Uni Mixed Eight Wins at Shenzhen Regatta,

Sydney University Rowing Trip to Shenzhen,

China. June 2025

SUBC Mixed Eight - Shenzhen, China

Sydney University recently travelled to Shenzhen, China, to compete in The Fourth Shenzhen X9 Alliance of Universities and Institutes Rowing League around X-Lake Sciensity - comprising an 800m course in the heart of the Nanshan District, marking the first time the University has participated in rowing at this venue. Shenzhen is huge, and vibrant, a centre for the electronics industry and a symbol of China’s rise. Fifty years ago, Shenzhen was a small town across the border from Hong Kong. Now it is a thriving city of over 17 million – the third largest city in China. It is home to 14 universities and public tertiary colleges.

We are pleased to report that our mixed eight crew won the division, finishing first out of ten crews in both the heat and final, ahead of strong competitors from Peking University and The University of California, Berkeley. This result is a testament to the dedication and teamwork of the athletes, who trained consistently in preparation for the event and executed a composed and effective race strategy on the day.

The organisation of the event was exceptional, with efficient logistics, clear communication, and excellent hospitality provided by the hosts. The accommodation was comfortable and well-located, allowing our athletes to rest and prepare adequately, while the food provided was of a high standard and catered well to our team’s needs throughout the competition period.

It was also a valuable cultural experience to explore Shenzhen, a vibrant and rapidly growing city, and it was particularly special to do so in the context of rowing, as this was the first time Sydney University has competed there. The opportunity to race on X-Lake and engage with other universities from China and internationally allowed for a meaningful exchange of ideas and connection within the rowing community.

Each of the athletes conducted themselves with maturity and professionalism, representing Sydney University in a manner of which the University can be proud. Their commitment to sportsmanship and cultural engagement was noted by organisers and fellow competitors alike.

Additionally, our team participated in a cultural performance evening, showcasing a variety of Australian classic songs. The performance was well-received by the audience, with the highlights being our rendition of ‘Waltzing Matilda’, and a choreographed dance to ‘Nutbush City Limits,’ which drew enthusiastic applause and engagement from the international attendees.

Following the success of this trip, we are pleased to note that Sydney University has already been invited back to compete next year. We look forward to maintaining and building on this relationship, providing further opportunities for our athletes to compete at a high level internationally while continuing to foster cultural and sporting exchang.

The Sydney University Crew was:

SURNAME/FIRSTNAMEMIDDLENAME+MS/MR

1.STEVENSON/GEORGINA MS  

2.ARMSTRONG/JOSEPHINE LILY MS  

3.BATEMAN/FREYA MS  

4.MACREADY/ALICE MS  

5.WULFF/WILLIAM HENRY MR  

6.TETLEY/ALEXANDER JOHN MR  

7.GREGORY/WILLIAM ALASTAIR MR  

8.CAMERON/REMY STEGGALL MR  

9.DUNSTAN/MONICA JANE MS  

10.RAVEN/WILLIAM FAULKNER MR   Manager

Our next Chima excursion looks like a Universities Regatta in Chengdu in later August. Our teams have competed there before. Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province – home to some spicy and unique food and of course, the Centre for Research and Conservation of the beautiful Giant Pandas.

The Fourth Shenzhen X9 Alliance of Universities and Institutes Rowing League Around X-Lake Sciensity

Team with Guides and Translators

Sydney Uni Mixed Eight - Leading in Final