An Article by Rowing NSW Journalism Scholarship holder Saskia Hunt

After months of training the Australian Youth Cup Team are ready to take to the water for this weekend’s regatta, and Drummoyne rower Sophie Jerapetritis is ready to soak up as much of the experience as she can.

Sophie might not have known the reputation of the regatta when she first stepped out of school rowing, but she now has a heavy schedule at the illustrious competition, competing in the women’s lightweight double, quad and eight. These will be Sophie’s first representative races and she’s keeping her game plan simple, focusing on doing her best in each race and proudly representing NSW.

She believes the professionalism of the Youth Cup has sharpened her views on rowing.

“Being coached by a variety of people and getting a new point of view on your rowing is a good experience,” she said,

“Also having the chance to row with new people in a variety of crew boats has been good in improving technique as well as teamwork skills and communication.”

Training for the Youth Cup has been anything but simple for the talented oarswoman, with training schedules complicated by athletes’ school, university and work commitments, not to mention Sophie’s doubles partner lives on the central coast. Despite the difficulties the team has committed to an intense training schedule, including three water sessions and up to three weight sessions per week.

And Sophie’s passion for rowing remains indefatigable in the face of such training commitments.

“The whole atmosphere and spirit of rowing is something that can't be replaced,” she said.

“Racing is also kind of good and bad because the adrenaline and excitement is amazing  - but still amazingly painful”

Sophie might have a busy schedule as an MLC debating and netball coach as well as working at a cafe three days a week, but with a keen sense of organisation she has been able to manage all her commitments.

“Training with my sister and family for land training made it go faster and easier to organize and make sure I did it properly. Also making sure I knew what I had to do and planned my day out, which meant I didn't get overwhelmed or over tired. Listening to my body was also really important so that I didn't get sick or injured.”

Interested in Rowing NSW’s Sports Journalism Scholarship? It could be your first step towards a career in the competitive sports media industry. Read more about the program here.