Rio Smith and Laura Ahearn have had some amazing results lately in their rowing competitions. 

Laura reflects on their amazing success below:

Rio and I are very proud to now be the State Champions for the Year 10 Double Scull after our win on Saturday 2 March. We have had a few other wins this season but this one is the most exciting so far. 

Over the summer, Rio and I worked really hard, training on water, at the beach and at the gym and we competed most Saturdays leading into March. Winning in a sport like rowing can be extremely difficult as there are so many different clubs from schools in Melbourne as well as Ballarat. Our coach, Jeff Watt, has had a long association with the Sacred Heart Rowing Club and we are very lucky that he has helped us with technique, strength and fitness over the season. 

Rio and I also have the privilege of rowing a boat named the 'Leisa Wilson' which is dedicated to a much loved friend of many and past rowing coach of Sacred Heart, who passed away in 2017. 

The success of our season has come about through the support from Laura Schouten, who oversees the rowing club, Ms Negro and the school. 

We are very excited for the final regatta of the season, the Head of School Girls from 15-17 March. We look forward to cheering on all of our rowing crews and hope to see some of you at the Barwon River cheering us on too.

My favourite moment from the weekend was getting our medals on the podium with the girls from Genazzano and Corowa.

Congratulations Laura and Rio, we are so proud of you both!