KES rowers selected for Junior World Championships

Three King Edward VII School boys were selected for the Junior World Squads on 16 May.

Damien Bonhage-Koen and Chris Baxter were selected as a pair while Dean Geldhof was selected to compete in a coxed four with three athletes from other schools.

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The three athletes will be taking part in the Junior World Championships in Racice in the Czech Republic from 9 to 12 August. Master in charge of rowing at the school, Trevor Dedlow said, “For our three boys this is a dream that has been three years in the making and to see them realise it is very rewarding. All three of them were members of our unbeaten U16 eight and record-breaking four in 2016 and, to a certain extent, the dream began during that season.

“Chris and Damien have been a pair combination for the past three years and have developed an unparalleled understanding of one another and their boat. They hold the U16 and open South African records pairs and have been South African champions for three consecutive years.

“The two boys both possess a voracious appetite for work and have set themselves a very high standard.

“Dean missed out on qualifying last year and set himself the goal of achieving national colours this year. His selection is particularly rewarding because of the work that he has put in.

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“Whilst we recognise their achievement, most of us will be unaware of the massive amount of work and personal sacrifices that have gone into it. All three boys have committed to a rigorous training routine for three years and have compromised family and social time in the process.”

Details: www.kes.co.za

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