WAIS Rowers Return Medal Performances

WAIS athletes have returned medal winning performances at both the Sydney Rowing World Cup and Australian Rowing Championships held in Penrith over the past week.

WAIS athlete and World Championship representative Maia Simmonds produced a solid week’s racing, picking up a world cup gold medal alongside Hannah Every-Hall in the women’s lightweight double scull.

London Olympian Alex Hagan joined Simmonds as a world cup medallist after the Bunbury born athlete secured silver with Pauline Frasca in the women’s coxless pair.

Perry Ward also won a medal, claiming bronze in the men’s lightweight men’s double scull, where he partnered Adam Kachyckyj.

WAIS athlete Tom Gatti was a member of Australian second crew in the men’s eight, finishing fourth with his squad in the final. The race was one by Australia 1.

There was earlier success for the competing WAIS contingent at the Australian Rowing Championships, held at Penrith.

Perry Ward claimed a national title in the men’s lightweight single scull, whilst Maia Simmonds, contested the women’s event, finishing fourth.

Alex Hagan was a member of a composite crew in the women’s eight, winning a national title, whilst WAIS athlete Hannah Vermeersch combined in a composite squad for a silver medal in the women’s coxless four.

Hagan added a silver medal in the women’s coxless pair, competing with Pauline Frasca, whilst Vermeersch was seventh alongside Sophie Sutherland.

Maia Simmonds was also awarded the Rowers’ Rower Award for 2013 during the week, with the award voted on via a peer basis from Australian Team members.