WA Rowers Earn Invites to Final Selection Trials

Rowing Australia has announced the athletes invited to attend the final National Senior Selection Trials in Canberra which will determine selections for the 2016 representative season.

The WA contingent is headlined by London Olympian Alex Hagan and 2015 World Championship medallist David Watts, with the pair trialling in the women’s sweep and men’s sculling disciplines respectively.

Fellow WAIS scholarship athlete Rhys Grant will join Watts in the sculling trials, with Perry Ward listed in the men’s lightweight group.

Former WAIS scholarship holder Cameron Brewer has been invited to trial in the men’s sweep squad, whilst former para-canoe athlete Brock Ingram has kept his Rio dreams alive by earning invitation in the Para-Rowing LTA Mixed trials, after switching sports in the aftermath of the IPC’s decision to not include his disability class (in para-canoe) in the Rio Paralympics roster.

WA rower Davinia Lefroy will also trial in the Para-Rowing LTA Mixed trials.

With trials and seat racing taking place in Canberra this week, Rowing Australia is expected to announce crews for the 2016 World Cup series on Friday, with this campaign also the last opportunity for Australia to qualify boats – yet to be secured – for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Alex Hagan was a member of the Australian women’s eight in London, whilst David Watts won a silver medal at the 2015 World Championships in France, as a member of the Australian men’s quad scull.

Australia’s team to compete at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games is anticipated for nomination to the AOC in early June.