South African rowers are making their mark internationally after strong performances in England and Italy highlighted the country’s growing depth across multiple rowing disciplines.
Rowing South Africa says local athletes continue to showcase their talent internationally following strong performances by school and coastal rowers in England and Italy.
Over recent weeks, South African athletes competed at prestigious international events ranging from the Olympic rowing venue at Dorney Lake in the United Kingdom to the Filippi Lido Trophy in Naples, Italy.
The South African Schools Rowing Union (SASRU) Under-16 touring squad travelled to the United Kingdom for a development tour featuring 27 athletes from 11 leading South African schools.
The athletes trained and raced at Dorney Lake, the venue used during the London 2012 Olympic Games, where South Africa secured its first Olympic rowing gold medal.
One of the standout performances came from the Under-16 girls’ quad scull crew, which won its event at the Wallingford Regatta.
Taylor Prinsloo of St Mary’s School, Waverley also impressed, finishing second in the Under-18 women’s single sculls event.
Beyond competition, the tour exposed young athletes to international training environments and coaching standards, offering valuable experience for future development.
South Africa’s coastal rowing athletes also tested themselves against top international competitors in Naples.
Murray Bales-Smith and Violante Lama competed at the Filippi Lido Trophy, one of the world’s leading coastal rowing events.
Bales-Smith delivered an encouraging performance in the time trial, finishing eighth against a highly competitive international field.
Reflecting on the competition, Bales-Smith said the event showed he had closed the gap on some of the world’s best coastal rowers.
Violante Lama responded strongly after difficult knockout rounds to win the Club division, highlighting her resilience and determination.
Attention now turns toward upcoming global competitions including the World Rowing Cup Lucerne and the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta.
Rowing South Africa also thanked Rand Merchant Bank for supporting athletes with opportunities to compete internationally and gain experience on the global stage.
