An ‘oarsome’ challenge

Natalie McKune and Carlene Prior in training for the Indoor Rowing Championships.

FOURTEEN Northern Suburbs Women will compete in a rowing event with a difference this weekend.

They will compete in the Australian Indoor Rowing Championships in Melbourne – on garden-variety rowing machines found in most gyms.

Competitors are divided into age divisions and compete in three events – a frantic four-minute race where the longest distance rowed wins, time events over lengths from 500m to 2km and a 4 x 500m relay.

Among the Northern Suburbs contingent are single professionals, busy mothers and grandmothers, ranging in age from 18 to 54.

They have been training for the championships under the guidance of Pioneer Fitness owner Ian Gibson.

“Indoor rowing is a strength and endurance sport, you compete in age and weight divisions to determine the fastest over various distances using specialist rowing machines common in most gyms,” Gibson said.

“Most of my clients are busy Mums and professionals - this year I was bowled over by their interest in competing.

“Some of the Ladies have been training up to four times a week and they have inspired me with their commitment.

“By competing they are motivating their children and showing it is not only the kids that are into sport.

The ladies will receive $100 sponsorship from Transfield Services for every personal best they achieve.

“Pioneer Electrical, Sportspower Corrimal, Woonona Fruit Basket and Bellambi Pharmacy have sponsored the team’s entry and uniforms,” Gibson said.

The team is: Alison Needham, Doris Pengelly, Nicole Nicholson, Jennifer Bean, Vanessa Timpano, Rachael Broome, Jill Hudson, Kathy Griffths, Kristina Timpano, Vivienne Gibson, Merilyn Glenn, Carlene Prior and Natalie McKune.

In 2006 Gibson took a four-person team to the same titles.

The small contingent brought home five medals.

Gibson himself won one silver and bronze medal at the 2006 championships and will prepare for another “regatta” in Brisbane in three weeks.