Rowing SA hopes trio of Olympic rowers return with medals to bolster its profile
Four-time Olympian and 2012 gold medallist John Smith partners with Christopher Baxter in the men’s pair event, while Paige Badenhorst will make her Olympic debut in the women’s single sculls.
Olympic rowing partners Christopher Baxter (R) and John Smith. Picture: Facebook/RowingRSA
JOHANNESBURG - Rowing South Africa (RowSA) has gathered in Melrose to wish their three Olympic rowers well as they head to the Paris Games.
The sport’s governing body hopes the trio will return with medals to elevate its profile - once again. They will take part in the Olympics, expected to run from 26 July to 11 August.
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Rowing in South Africa holds the distinction of being the only code whose athletes have won medals at multiple Olympics, apart from swimming and athletics, having done so at the Athens, London and Rio de Janeiro Games.
Four-time Olympian and 2012 gold medallist John Smith partners with Christopher Baxter in the men’s pair event, while Paige Badenhorst will make her Olympic debut in the women’s single sculls.
RowSA president Sean Kerr is optimistic about their chances in Paris.
“Rowing in South Africa has always punched above its weight on the international stage. We’re a small federation. The gold medal in London certainly created an awareness about the sport to the general public. You know, rowing always happens in the first week of the games, so if we can put a medal on the table, people remember us.”