At the beginning of March, the selections for the South African Junior Development Squad were finalised. The U15 and U16 girls had to submit qualifying 1km and 2km ergometer times respectively. A total of 19 St Mary’s girls were selected; 13 from U15 and six from U16. The aim of the squad is to develop the junior athletes from around the country, as there was no rowing season owing to Covid-19. The selected athletes from a variety of schools and clubs including Holy Rosary, St Andrew’s and VLC, trained together, following a programme formulated by the squad’s head coach. Crews were selected and on the first weekend of May, the squad competed in the South African Senior Championship Regatta. It was a competitive weekend, several medals were won and great results were achieved.

“Rowing is a sport for dreamers. As long as you put in the
work, you can own the dream.” -Jim Dietz

CLARE KEEGAN
FORM III