Beijing Olympian Natalie Bale is looking forward to returning to the water this weekend to compete at the Victorian Championships.

Used as a lead up to the National Championships (which occur in the first week of March) it has attracted a competitive lineup, with many competitors viewing it as a perfect lead up, with both events held at Lake Nagambie.

WAIS Scholarship holder Bale is welcoming the challenge of returning to competing, especially against the strong line up of World Champion Robin Selby-Smith and Olympians, Sarah Tait, Sarah Hird and Pauline Frasca.

Particularly, Bale's fire and determination have intensified due to her taking 2009 off rowing following injury in the lead up to the 2008 Olympics. Bale was struck down by injury that caused serious pain, and couldn't be determined.

"I was in so much pain I could hardly walk and ended up missing Olympic trials because no one knew what the problem was,” Bale told The West Australian.

Demonstrating her fighting spirit, Bale managed to pain through the pain to secure a place in the Olympic squad. Following Beijing she made the decision to take 2009 off to try and get to the bottom of her illness.

After being diagnosed with chronic inflammatory disorder, Bale has been able to manage the problem and is looking forward to having a significant impact upon her return to the water.

The men's categories will be no less competitive with Olympic Men's Coxless Four silver medallists, Francis Hegerty, Cameron McKenzie-McHarg, James Marburg and Mathew Ryan all taking part in the action.

Olympic gold medallist, David Crawshay will also be competing in his last competitive hit-out before the national titles in three weeks.

- Emily Raynor