First rowing medal claimed
Silver medalists Fred Vavasour and Henry Kirk. Photo Sharron Bennett Photography
The Wairau Rowing Club picked up their first medal at the 2025 national rowing championships at Lake Ruataniwha today.
Wairau are fielding 21 athletes at the annual champs, which began on Tuesday at the iconic venue.
On Tuesday the men’s under-22 pair of Fred Vavasour and Henry Kirk won their heat, progressing directly to today’s A final where they claimed a silver medal, being narrowly shaded by an Avon crew.
Other Wairau crews competed in A finals.
In the men’s under-22 single sculls, Ashley-James Fitzgerald finished eighth, the same position as Lexi Timpson in the women’s under-22 single medal decider.
The men’s club four of Wairau rowers Liam Kirkland and James Ripley, plus Nelson athletes Ryan Flintoft and Ethan Steele, finished second in their semifinal and go straight to the forthcoming A final.
In the men’s single double Fitzgerald and Fynn Allison combined for a second place in their heat, also progressing directly to the A final.