On the 29th of November 2023, Townley Grammar School for Girls took part in the annual inter-house rowing competition. With 7 houses, golden medals for individual best, and certificates for the top 3 houses, there was some gruelling rivalry.
Competitors were numbered from 1-4, each rower rowing for 4 minutes at a time. 7 at once. The creaking sound of the handle swiftly moving back and forth combined with the heavy pants of Year 10 students was enough to show the next rower what they were in for.
As I sat down, and prepared myself for the next few exhausting minutes, I looked to my sides. All such amazing athletes, I was starting to regret signing up.
But alas, I grabbed the handles, bent my knees, and started rowing. Steady at first, slowing down at times, then speeding up in the last minute. Keeping my eyes on the increasing metres and decreasing seconds. My arms starting to feel rigid, and my legs like jelly.
But the adrenalin rush right after was all worth it. My mind racing with new energy, wanting to go for another round. Out-do my opposition.
Where to put all this energy?
In the relay, of course. Rowers from each team got ready for a relay of a minute each. Quickly swapping round, securing the footrest, and grabbing the handlebar, it felt like Formula 1.
Ending in fourth place out of the seven teams, I couldn’t be prouder of my team and classmates. Well done Townley!
