Coxing in solidarity at the 2022 World Rowing Cup I

When Australia’s Teesaan Koo was unable to travel to Belgrade, it could have been the end of the journey for their PR3 coxed four at World Rowing Cup I. However, the solidarity of the rowing community came into action and a substitute was found.

Alex Wenyon, who is part of the Great Britain Para Squad had been in touch with Alex Viney, bow of the Australia PR3 coxed four after racing against them at the recent Para Rowing International Regatta in Gavirate, Italy. Wenyon said “We were talking anyway and Alex said ‘what if you came and raced with us, that would be quite cool.’ I woke up the next morning and got a call and it was all confirmed.” The change, approved by World Rowing, allowed the Australian crew to take part in the competition.

Asked how it feels to be coxing a crew racing against the crew she is hoping to be selected for, Wenyon said “It is quite weird. I think it kind of set in as I went down the track thinking “this is quite annoying now that we’re not in front”, but every cox just wants to get in a boat, make a difference and go fast, so that is what I was trying to do.”

Having taken up the sport aged 13 at school, Alex speaks very passionately about how much she loves the sport and coxing. “When you get on the water and have that sense of calm. At school, I used to always enjoy getting out of the classroom and onto the water.” Asked how she thinks she can make a difference to a crew, Alex said “I’ve always said I like pushing people past their perceived limits. I like knowing what makes people tick and trying to dial into that.”

Alex first stepped into the Australian crew on Thursday (the day before racing started) and had to quickly learn how the crew operated and their race plan. “I suppose that’s the job, isn’t it? For you to do your job as well as you can, you’ve got to fit in as quickly and as positively as you can to make that impact on the crew. It’s all rowing at the end of the day!”

“It’s obviously a little bit strange not wearing your home nation’s kit, but I would just like to do my best for the athletes.” Alex said, whilst wearing the green and gold colours of Australia. However, she continued, “I recognise the privilege of representing a country at a World Cup. It’s an honour to be asked in the first place. I personally have really enjoyed the opportunity!”

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s final, Alex highlighted how the British crew had won in Gavirate a fortnight ago but said “It will be interesting to see how much of a difference and an impact I can bring to the Aussies, fingers crossed!”

The PR3 mixed coxed four final is scheduled to take place at 12:30 local time in Belgrade, when Great Britain will line up against Australia.