University of Pretoria rowers to compete in Boat Race in South Africa
University of Pretoria rowers Katherine Williams and Courtney Westley will compete this weekend as part of the women’s eight at the RMB Universities Boat Race on the Kowie River in Port Alfred, South Africa. The athletes have returned from Amsterdam, where they competed in the women’s double sculls at the World Championships, TimesLIVE reports.
Competing in the eight
Westley described participation in the regatta as a way to give back to the university for its support. Williams stressed that an athlete of international level should not consider any competition beneath their level. According to her, the Boat Race provides an opportunity to finish the season with friends and represent the educational institution that supported the athletes.
Unlike the 2,000-metre distance usual for international events, Williams and Westley will be part of an eight in Port Alfred, racing alongside other student rowers. Williams noted that interaction and team dynamics are particularly important in such a crew. Westley added that, after an intense international season, the regatta has a different atmosphere, although the team still aims to achieve a strong result.
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Tradition of victories and Amsterdam experience
The University of Pretoria women’s team, known as Tuks, has won the Boat Race for nine consecutive years and has claimed 10 titles overall. Westley said the athletes are proud of the opportunity to uphold the team’s tradition. They consider the crews from the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University to be their strongest rivals, but plan to focus on their own performance.
At the World Championships in Amsterdam, Williams and Westley hoped to finish in the top five, but raced in the C final. They won that final, showing speed which, according to Westley, they were unable to fully realize in the earlier races. The rower considers the result useful experience for future events.
For Williams, competing in the Boat Race also has personal significance. After she did not qualify for the Paris Olympics, the athlete doubted whether to continue rowing. Returning to university, completing her teaching practicum and taking part in the regatta helped her rediscover enjoyment in the sport.
