Defence rowers dig deep at Masters

ADF rowers secured podium finishes at the Australian Masters Rowing Championships at Champion Lakes in Perth, held from May 27 to 30.

Racing against civilian teams, crews converted limited preparation into strong performances in crew boats and individual races, despite fielding a comparatively small contingent.

LEUT Benjamin Page, of HMAS Watson, competed in the men’s A and men’s B eight events, finishing fourth and third respectively.

LEUT Page has attended the Masters regatta each year since the ADF club’s establishment 17 years ago.

Amberley-based PTI CPL Sarah Leon was one of the strongest performers, winning gold medals in the lightweight women’s A single scull, women’s A four and mixed A/B eight.

It was her third consecutive national title in the lightweight single scull, and she won a silver medal in the eight.

For CPL Leon, it was the social atmosphere that stood out.

“It’s a big family, with camaraderie, great morale and teamwork, and that’s what I love about the sport,” she said.

FLTLT David Visser, of Air Force Headquarters, competed in six events, with the standout performance coming in the mixed eight, where the crew secured a national title.

He said the crew, coming from across Australia, relied largely on individual training.

“There was a point where we were going toe to toe, then we lifted our effort and pulled away,” FLTLT Visser said.