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Monday, 01 October 2007 |
The FISA World Masters held this year in Zagreb, Croatia , had a record entry of nearly 3,000 athletes from all corners of the world. Included in the large number of athletes were 7 from Maidenhead. Some were competing at this international event for the first time and were encouraged by the results.
The weather for the first three days was unseasonably cold and wet – with the lowest temperatures recorded since records began – which together with torrential rain, made rowing conditions ‘challenging’! Fortunately, the sun appeared for the last two days, ensuring everyone left with good memories of Zagreb.
Karon Phillips, competing in her 4th World Masters, teamed up with Thames RC, Burway and Barnes Bridge Ladies winning 2 Gold medals in Women's Vet F Coxed Four and Women's Vet E Eight.
Andrew Snowdon, Robert Brockwell, Paul Holmes and Mark Hopper entered the Vet C Quad Sculls. They posted a good time but were beaten by some very competitive international crews. This gives a good mark for improvement and what is needed to raise the bar and be competitive at these types of events.
Representing their previous rowing club, Sydney Women's Rowing Club, Alison Molloy and Isabel Frean entered the Women's Vet C and Vet D Double Sculls events as well as a Women's Vet D Quad Sculls. Isabel also entered Women's Vet C Single Sculls despite not having trained or competed in the event for two years. Not one to sit idle, Isabel then teamed up with a New Zealand Men's Four with only 5 minutes notice and coxed them to victory with perfect steering and calling.
On the final day of the regatta, Alison and Isabel were delighted to represent Maidenhead Women's Vet Squad in the mixed events. Isabel teamed up with Robert Brockwell for a mixed Vet C Double Sculls event where they finished fifth in their heat in a very respectable time. Alison paired up with Mark Hopper in the Vet D Double Sculls event and came a close fourth after having held third position until the final 200 metres.
Next year's event will be held in Trakai, Lithuania, where the Maidenhead athletes all hope to compete again.
Report by Karon Phillips, Mark Hopper & Alison Molloy. |
