"VAN" (Sports Desk - 24.10.2025) :: A team of national champions and international performers will represent Australia at the 2025 Commonwealth Rowing Association Beach Sprint Regatta, to be held from 21–23 November at Browne’s Beach, Carlisle Bay, Bridgetown, Barbados.
All athletes selected were crowned Australian champions in their respective events, demonstrating the nation’s growing strength in Beach Sprint rowing - a dynamic format combining explosive speed, technical precision and close-to-shore racing that will make its Olympic debut at LA28.
Rowing Australia Performance Director Paul Thompson MBE said the team reflects both proven quality and emerging depth across the country.
“We’re seeing genuine momentum in Australian coastal and Beach Sprint rowing,” Thompson said.
“Each of these athletes has earned their selection through national success, and together they represent the exciting future of this discipline. The Commonwealth Regatta is a great opportunity to gain valuable international racing experience against strong competition.”
Representing Australia in the Senior events are Elizabeth Newell (UQBC) and Blake Whyatt (WARC), who are both part of Australia’s 2025 World Beach Sprint Finals team, competing in Antalya, Türkiye 6-9 November.
Queensland’s Samuel Forbes (UQBC), also a World Beach Sprint Finals representative, will race the U21 Men’s Coastal Single, while fellow Queenslander Calli McRae (RFRC) lines up in the U21 Women’s Single.
Western Australia’s Oceane Jeannerat rounds out the squad, competing in the U19 single scull.
The team is coached by Michael Russell (UQBC).
Australia will also enter a U21 Mixed Double Sculls combination (crew TBC) and compete in the relay event, offering further opportunities for athletes to test themselves on the world stage.
The event, staged by the Commonwealth Rowing Association in partnership with World Rowing, brings together top athletes from across the Commonwealth in a vibrant festival of Beach Sprint racing.
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