Olympic bronze medallist Harriet Hudson shared her experience with The Armidale School’s rowers at a special training session at Malpas Dam this week.
Born in Warwick, Queensland, Hudson is a three-time national senior single sculling champion, twice won double scull silver medals at World Under 23 championships, took out a bronze medal with the Australian quadruple scull at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and rowed in the women’s double sculls at the Paris Olympics in July.
On the water, Hudson shared tips for better technique, whilst on land, she outlined her rowing journey, passing on two key pieces of advice to the more than 60 TAS rowers who are taking to the water this year.
“Firstly, have fun while rowing with your mates – it’s a tough sport where you all have to work together, and you will always row better and faster if you are doing it with people whose company you enjoy,” she said.
“And secondly – there is no substitute for consistent effort. There’s a saying that ‘hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard’ – and you can often jump past those with more talent who don’t have the same commitment.”
Year 10 sculler Isabella Henderson said it was a fantastic opportunity to hear from one of Australia’s best.
“I watched her race at Paris and have been following her for a while especially as she rows in the smaller boats, so to have her come to us as Malpas was just amazing,” she said.
“She’s got such a good eye and gave me some drills and technique tips especially to help me with my catch. We’re just so honoured that she gave us some of her time and knowledge.”
The TAS crews are busy training up to three times a week on Malpas Dam, ahead of their first competition at the Newcastle Grammar School Regatta hosted by Endeavour Rowing Club near Maitland on 2 November and NSW All Schools Championships at the Sydney International Regatta Centre on 16 November.
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