In early November, the world’s best scullers will journey to Canberra to compete in an inaugural festival of rowing known as the Golden Oar Regatta. With over $100,000 up for grabs across the three varying distances, the unique and fun format is expected to attract many. The world’s best will be in attendance, with names like the legendary Sinković brothers, New Zealand’s top stars, and Australia’s hometown heroes. It’s shaping up to be an intriguing weekend.
Speaking of intriguing, the PR3 Mixed Double is shaping up to be one of the tightest races of this regatta. Being the only event currently featured on the Paralympic and Olympic Schedule for LA2028, this race carries some extra pedigree.
Adelaide Rowing Club & Radford
Coming off the back of a U23 World Championship and a senior World Championship Bronze, Sam Stunell of Adelaide Rowing Club has been showing fine form at such a young age. His doubles partner, Isobel Egan, is no stranger to elite competition, having achieved impressive recent performances, including three gold medals at the most recent Australian Rowing Championships. This duo brings some youth and spring into the field, a promising sight for the future of Australian Paralympic Rowing.
Mercantile & Sydney
Susannah Lutze of Mercantile is no stranger to the top tier of competition. Having competed at the Paris 2024 Games, she is the only one in this field to have previously competed at a Paralympic Games, bringing strong prowess to the table.
Her doubles partner, Flynn Wilkinson, hailing from Sydney Rowing Club, has also seen and done what it takes to perform at the top level of our sport. Back in March at the National Championships, Flynn took out the gold in the Interstate PR3 single, beating the previously mentioned Sam Stunell.
Prediction
This event is truly going to be the hardest fought of any. With most of these scullers part of Australia’s para team, they will all know each other very well. However, given Stunell’s recent international form, I am going to pick the double of Sam Stunell and Isobel Egan to take out the event as the slightly more in-form crew. Counting out Susannah Lutze and Flynn Wilkinson would be a fool’s mistake, though, and I expect this event to go right down to the line.
