South African Rowers Enjoy Strong Start to International Season

Young school rowers and experienced coastal athletes delivered standout performances in England and Italy as South African rowing continues to build momentum internationally.

Global (27 May 2026) – From racing on Olympic waters in England to taking on world-class competitors along Italy’s coastline, South African rowers have been making waves internationally in recent weeks.

Young school rowers and experienced coastal athletes proudly flew the South African flag across two very different international events, showing just how much local rowing talent continues to grow across multiple disciplines.

In England, the South African Schools Rowing Union Under-16 touring squad competed at the prestigious Wallingford Regatta and Junior Sculling Regatta at Dorney Lake. This is the same venue from the 2012 Olympic Games.

For many of the young athletes, it was a surreal experience rowing on the same waters where South Africa claimed its first Olympic rowing gold medal. The squad, made up of 27 athletes from leading schools across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, overcame a 15-hour flight delay before diving straight into what turned out to be a memorable tour both on and off the water.

The Under 16 girls’ quad scull team powered their way to victory at the Wallingford Regatta.

There were several other strong performances too, including Taylor Prinsloo from St Mary’s School Waverley finishing second in the Under-18 women’s single sculls, while the South African Under-15 boys’ double scull also claimed a second-place finish at the Junior Sculling Regatta.

Away from competition, one can’t go to a different country and not do some sightseeing. The team visited Windsor Castle, watched the Changing of the Guard and toured the famous Leander Club, giving the young athletes a glimpse into the rich history and culture of international rowing.

Meanwhile, in Naples, Italy, South Africa’s top coastal rowers Murray Bales-Smith and Violante Lama tested themselves against some of the world’s best at the Filippi Lido Trophy.

Bales-Smith delivered an encouraging performance in the time trials, finishing eighth and showing improvement against elite international competition after placing eighth at last year’s World Rowing Coastal Championships.

Reflecting on the experience, Bales-Smith was excited to compete with top athletes.

“One key takeaway from this weekend is that I’m closer to the top guys in the time trials than I was at World Champs last year.”

Violante Lama also showed her fighting spirit after facing a tough field, bouncing back to win the Club division in Naples.

It is indeed an exciting time for rowing, with several top athletes now preparing for major international events including the World Rowing Cup in Lucerne and the iconic Henley Royal Regatta. Among the South Africans set to compete are Christopher Baxter in the men’s single sculls, Kat Williams and Courtney Westley in the women’s pair, and Paige Badenhorst in the women’s single sculls.

With more international events still on the horizon, these performances have already given South African rowing plenty to feel excited about moving into the rest of the season.

Sources: Supplied 

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