Peter Antonie Awarded 2003 Thomas Keller Medal

Peter Antonie of Australia: an outstanding career in rowing.
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Peter Antonie of Australia was the recipient of the 2003 Thomas Keller Medal for an "outstanding career in rowing" and exemplary sportsmanship awarded today by Dominik Keller, son of the late Thomas Keller at the FISA World Rowing Championships in Milan, Italy.  Antonie competed at three Olympic Games. He won an Olympic gold medal in the men's double at the1992 Barcelona Games, has World Championship medals in both lightweight and open weight boat classes and an international career lasting 23 years.The Melbourne native retired from elite rowing in 2000 at the age of 42, ?because I was too old and I was at a stage where other things (work and study) took my time.? His first World Championships medal, a silver, was won in 1977 in the lightweight men's four.  As a lightweight rower Antonie went on to win an additional three World Championships medals including gold in 1986 in the lightweight men's single.

Antonie believes much of his drive to continue competitively for more than two decades came from the ups and downs of his career. He always felt there was more to do. ?My performances were not always great on the international scene, but I did have some highlights.? His most memorable was his Barcelona gold medal-winning race in the double. ?We put together the best row of our lives,? says Antonie who attributes the success to his coach, Tim McLaren, the power of his partner, Stephen Hawkins, the length of time together and their technical skills.

The 18-carat gold Thomas Keller medal has been established as the highest honour in the sport of rowing and is presented to recognise an exceptional rowing career as well as exemplary sportsmanship. Named after the late President of FISA, the first medal was first awarded to the great Norwegian oarsman Alf Hansen in 1990 and has been awarded 17 times since. Previous recipients include Steve Redgrave of Great Britain and Marnie McBean for Canada in 2001 and 2002 respectively.