Oarsman (90) competes in Masters’ Regatta
JOBURG - 90-year-old rower show why he's the master.
At 90, Dan Robinson, one of the founders of the Viking Rowing Club, set a new definition for the title “grand master” when he competed in two races in the South African Masters’ Rowing Regatta at Wemmer Pan, Johannesburg.
Robinson’s first race was in a coxless quad event, where he lined up at the start with his crew comprising Wal Dean (79), Mike Martinson (86) and long-time oarsman John Price (83).
Later, 86-year-old Andy Mayer and Dean pitted their strength against Price and Robinson as they competed in a double sculls event, where Price and Robinson clocked in at 3 minutes 58 seconds after rowing down the 702m Wemmer Pan course.
Martinson and Mayer were two members of the Wits University Boat Club crew in which Robinson rowed in 1946 on his return from war-time service.
Greg Kent, president of the Viking Rowing Club, congratulated Robinson on his achievement and acknowledged his contribution to the rowing club, which he helped establish in 1951 as a club for ex-university rowers who wished to remain competitive.
Since the inception of masters’ rowing in South Africa in 1976, Robinson has participated in almost every regatta and earned countless medals both at home and in international masters’ regattas.
The South African Masters’ Regatta, organised by a committee of the Wits University Boat Club, saw the best male and female master rowers competing in tight racing throughout the day.
Viking emerged as the top performers on the men’s side, winning the eight, quad and coxless fours, and Wemmer Pan Rowing Club on the women’s side.
