Five Months For Rowing Squad

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31680, 16 May 1968, Page 15

Five Months For Rowing Squad

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. The 13 members of the national rowing squad will begin five months preparation this week-end for the Mexico City Olympic Games.

The Rowing council chairman, Mr L. E. Brooker, said that the squad will assemble in Christchurch on Saturday and will begin training immediately. Mr Brooker said there will be no hurry over the selection of the eights for the games. “We want the best crew possible from the squad, and if it takes a month, or longer, we will not be unduly worried.” After the eight is chosen, a four will be named provided it reaches the necessary standard. It would need to reach a time of about 6min 30sec to be nominated. While in Christchurch, oarsmen, including the reserves, will work out in a gymnasium

almost every night and row daily at Kerr’s Reach. The gymnasium work will be directed by Mr S. Lewis, senior lecturer in physical education at Canterbury University. Mr Lewis played a large part in the preparation of the eight which last year won the Canadian Centennial Regatta and the United States eight and four championships. During training, the oarsmen will use the donoratica racing shell, in which, the New Zealand crew was successful during its North American tour and the test series against Australia last year.

Donoratica boats, made in Italy, have been ordered by the N.Z.R.C. for the eight and four going to Mexico.