South Africa’s RMB National Squad has reaffirmed its place among the world’s elite rowers, delivering multiple top-ten finishes at a major international regatta. In challenging conditions that tested both endurance and adaptability, the squad showed the speed and resilience needed to compete at Olympic level.
In the women’s single sculls, Paige Badenhorst impressed throughout the rounds to secure a top-eight finish, confirming her status as one of the top scullers globally. “Testing myself against the best in the world and finishing among the leading competitors is a huge step forward. I feel inspired by these results and can’t wait to continue growing and finding more speed,” she said.
The men’s pair of Damien Bonhage-Koen and Christopher Baxter also demonstrated world-class potential. After strong early performances, they battled through one of the most competitive Olympic-class events to secure a top-ten result.
According to RowSA’s International Commission Chair and former Olympic medallist Ramon di Clemente, these performances signal that South African rowing is “right where it needs to be” as the sport builds toward future Olympic campaigns. “Paige’s top-eight finish shows she can challenge the world’s best scullers, and the men’s pair proved they can hold their own in one of the deepest events. Our task now is to build on this momentum and push for podium places.”
The campaign underlined that South Africa’s top crews are capable of competing with the best internationally. With experience gained in tough conditions and renewed confidence from strong results, the RMB National Squad continues its climb up the world rankings as the next Olympic cycle approaches.
