Australia Rows Through Second Olympic Selection

Christmas holidays barely existed for the Australian rowers attempting to be part of their country’s Olympic team. The first set of selection races were held just before Christmas and the fireworks signalling 2004 had scarcely finished exploding when Olympic hopefuls lined up again at the Penrith 2000 metre course.

The pre-selection of Drew Ginn and James Tomkins for the men’s pair did nothing to perturb the competition that gave the World and Olympic Champions a run for their money. Geoff Stewart and Bo Hansen won bronze at the Sydney Olympics in the four and look to be set for another Olympic team when they took an early lead in the pair final and maintained it to the finish line. This will not impact the pre-selection of Ginn and Tomkins although Ginn admitted after the race, “to be knocked off is not what you want.”

Geoff Stewart and Bo Hanson have been out of the international picture since the 2000 Olympics but their comeback means that Hanson may add a fourth Olympic Games to his portfolio. Geoff is heading towards rowing history, as one of three brothers who are favourites for selection in the men’s eight. His twin brother James finished fifth in the pair final while younger brother Stephen finished fourth. Geoff and James at 30 years old are already veterans of two Olympic Games including a bronze from Sydney and 25 year old Stephen is aiming to contest his first Olympics. “We’re really good friends, except on the water,” said Stephen.

Australia’s World Champion women’s quad raced each other in singles with stroke, Amber Bradley finishing first followed by 2003 team mate Kerry Hore and Jane Robinson. However Wilson predicts the World Champion line up could change as the races were hotly contested. Moving from sweep rowing and a member of last year’s women’s eight to sculling, Bec Sattin finished in the very important fourth position.

Duncan Free continued to dominate the single with the only real challenge coming from Peter Hardcastle and David Crawshay who represented Australia in the double in 2003.

Rowing Australia’s media representative Michael Wilson said although the depth of competition was substantial the atmosphere amongst the athletes remained friendly and spirited. “There were about double the number of competitors than those who will be selected for the Olympic team,” said Wilson.

The final selection regatta will take place February 20 – 22 with the Olympic team being announced on February 29.