Queensland State Secondary School Championships (ARA Light Blues) - Madison Bruford (Baradene) and Matias Donnianni (SPC)

Madison Bruford (Baradene) and Matias Donnianni (SPC) were selected for the ARA Light Blues team that tested out the 2032 Olympic course at Rockhampton racing at the Queensland State School Championships. Here’s their wrap of the campaign:

Over this winter, we had the opportunity to be part of the Light Blues programme, an ARA initiative focused on the development of Year 12 rowers. We had four camps at Mercer, bringing together athletes from across the Auckland region, ranging from Pukekohe to Whangārei. It was an amazing experience to meet and train with other athletes who we wouldn’t normally get the chance to row with.

From this group, a men’s and women’s 8+ were selected to represent Auckland at the Queensland State Championships in Rockhampton. The trial process included a 5km erg and seat racing.

After an early 3am start at the airport, the team went from Auckland’s cold weather to a scorching 30 degrees in Rockhampton. Everyone had been warned to expect snakes and crocodiles, so there was definitely some excitement about what we might encounter!

Despite the challenging conditions and the short amount of time the crews had to train together, the team performed really well throughout the three-day regatta. The mixed eights took first and third place, while Light Blues crews finished first and third in the girls four final, as well as fourth in the girls eight. The boys had a particularly successful weekend, taking first in the boys eight and four, as well as second in the quad, four and pair.