Multiple National Championships and good performances in Inter-State racing were highlights for ACT rowers at Penrith over the weekend.
Youngsters Alex Grzeskowiak (Capital Lakes) and lightweight Nathan Kennedy (ANU) won their respective under 21 single sculls titles, as well as combining for a silver medal in the Under 23 double, and winning gold in the Under 23 quad scull when they combined with a pair of Queenslanders.

Para rower Nikki Ayers (Capital Lakes) had a stunning debut at the national regatta winning gold in her mixed Para four event, silver in her mixed pair, and silver in the Inter-State women’s Para Single Scull event. These results were spectacular for someone who has been rowing for less than a year.

Canberra Rowing Club’s Tom Perry may no longer be an International Representative, but he is still a force Nationally. Tom combined with three Queenslanders to win the National Lightweight Men’s quad title, and then combined with Nathan Kennedy, Will Clark and Hamish Harding (all of ANU) to come third in the Penrith Cup for Inter-State Lightweight fours. The ACT was not been on the podium for this event since 2005, so that both crew and coach Nick Garratt are to be commended.

Mosman rower Tom Schramko, who trains with the ACT squad on Lake Burley Griffin, made a big comeback to win the under 23 single scull after major health issues over the preceding year.

ANU were also placed in the under 23 Lightweight Women’s Champion Quad (2nd) and Single (third), and third in the Under 23 Men’s Lightweight Pair to round out a strong performance for the student club.

Radford College had good results with both their Schoolboy and Schoolgirl Quad sculls coming second in their respective National School Championships, while Canberra Girls Grammar grabbed third in the Under 17 Champion Girls Quad Scull. Overall it was a great regatta for the ACT, with improving results in Inter-State events.