Silver medallists move one step closer to selection

Friday 25 April, 2009

The Australian rowing men’s four that won a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games have moved closer to being selected for the 2009 World Rowing Championships.

Competing at the 2009 Australian Rowing Selection Trials at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith, the crew of Francis Hegerty (NSW), Cameron McKenzie-McHarg (VIC), James Marburg (VIC) and Matt Ryan (NSW), only have to complete a ‘Speed Order Trial’ on Sunday to the satisfaction of the national selectors before they are nominated to the Board of Rowing Australia for selection. The board meets this Monday to discuss all nominations.

The men’s four almost caused one of the upsets of the Beijing Games when they led the world champion Great Britain crew through 1800 metres, before settling for the silver medal. Hegerty, McKenzie-McHarg, Marburg and Ryan had only booked their place in Beijing by winning the Final Olympic Qualification Regatta in June.

Great Britain and Australia have dominated the men’s four category the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, with the Oarsome Foursome winning there and in Atlanta. Great Britain haswon the last three Olympic gold medals in the class and there is a sense that the two countries could continue their rivalry over the next three years.

National High Performance Director, Andrew Matheson, says the incumbent crew have the potential to build a strong dynasty over the coming Olympic cycle.

“These guys had a fantastic 2008 after the initial disappointment of missing out on the men’s eight and showed they have the ability and desire to be the best,” Matheson said. “They were no certainties to be selected in this boat in 2009 as we have a very talented crop of rowers coming through the AIS, but they have performed well to this point.”

The men’s four, along with all other crews that are nominated for selection, will compete in a ‘Speed Order Trial’ on Sunday morning.

For more information please call David Polglase on 0401 453 041

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