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CDU students and staff compete in Australian Indoor Rowing Championships
Students and staff from Charles Darwin University (CDU) showcased their oarsome abilities in Darwin last month as part of the Australian Indoor Rowing Championships (AIRC).
Open to all ages and abilities, with individual and team events, the Championships are held on the same day across the country – delivering the excitement and camaraderie of race day without the need for access to a body of water.
Open to all ages and abilities, with individual and team events, the Championships are held on the same day across the country – delivering the excitement and camaraderie of race day without the need for access to a body of water.
The Northern Territory took home six gold, one silver and two bronze as part of this year's competition, with former CDU staff member Kaye Strange responsible for four of the total six gold medal haul.
Moving from Brazil to Darwin earlier this year to complete a Master of Emergency and Disaster Management at CDU, student Carla Zanon (pictured front right) said the Championships were an opportunity to build on her skills as a volunteer with Darwin Surf Life Saving Club.
“We row at the Club but we’re rowing the boat in the sea, and although I’m fit and strong I don’t have a lot of technique just yet,” Carla explained.
Moving from Brazil to Darwin earlier this year to complete a Master of Emergency and Disaster Management at CDU, student Carla Zanon (pictured front right) said the Championships were an opportunity to build on her skills as a volunteer with Darwin Surf Life Saving Club.
“We row at the Club but we’re rowing the boat in the sea, and although I’m fit and strong I don’t have a lot of technique just yet,” Carla explained.
“When I saw the invitation to compete, I thought it sounded like fun – the training and preparation have been a good way to understand the movements of the sport and what your body needs to do.”
Student participation in this year’s event was bolstered by CDUs Indoor Rowing Program, made possible with Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF) funding aimed at delivering non-academic projects and activities that improve student experience.
Student participation in this year’s event was bolstered by CDUs Indoor Rowing Program, made possible with Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF) funding aimed at delivering non-academic projects and activities that improve student experience.
“The Program has been a great way to engage students in fitness whilst learning something new and connecting with peers,” said CDU Student Engagement Manager, Sean Newcombe.
“It’s also showcased how SSAF funding can create opportunities for students at CDU.”
The Northern Territory’s engagement with the AIRC began in 2020, with CDU students, staff and members of the wider community taking home a total 32 medals in the period since; including 14 gold, 11 silver and seven bronze - as well as breaking a national record in the Para category.
A testament to the benefits indoor rowing encourages, one of those 14 gold medals was won by a Territorian competing in the 80 - 84 categories in the 500-metre event.
2024 Australian Indoor Rowing Championships results:
“It’s also showcased how SSAF funding can create opportunities for students at CDU.”
The Northern Territory’s engagement with the AIRC began in 2020, with CDU students, staff and members of the wider community taking home a total 32 medals in the period since; including 14 gold, 11 silver and seven bronze - as well as breaking a national record in the Para category.
A testament to the benefits indoor rowing encourages, one of those 14 gold medals was won by a Territorian competing in the 80 - 84 categories in the 500-metre event.
2024 Australian Indoor Rowing Championships results:
- Kaye Strange - Gold 2,000 metre, 1,000 metre, 500 metre and 1-minute events (55 - 59 Women's Open PR3 Adaptive category),
- Lee Harrop - Gold 500 metre and 1-minute events (55 -59 Women's Lightweight category),
- Liz Grylls - Bronze in the 1-minute event (Women's Open category),
- Alastair Burns - Silver 2,000 metre event (70 - 75 Male Lightweight category), and
- Aamish Isaacs - Bronze 2,000 metre event (23 - 29 Male Open category).