Since taking up rowing 11 years ago Gold Coast local Helen Wintle has represented Queensland five times and will now be vying for a gold medal at this year’s Pan Pacific Masters Games (3 – 11 November) to be held on the Gold Coast.
The 59-year-old Southport resident used to ride horses competitively in New Zealand for 30 years and when she made the move to Brisbane, Australia in 1998 she fell in love with the sport of rowing.
Rowing will be one of the 39 sports on the program at this major biennial sporting event that is expected to attract in excess of 11,000 competitors to the Gold Coast.
“I started to put on weight and was looking for a sport to take me through to old age and my good friend Merv Russell, who was a rowing coach, encouraged me to try it,” said Helen.
“I became absolutely addicted to rowing because it’s low impact, challenging and the scenery no matter where you train is normally magnificent.
Helen has achieved an incredible amount during her 11 years of rowing including representing Queensland and competing at the World Masters Games.
“My double partner Kathy Phillips and I made the selection for the Interstate Womens ‘D’ Quad Scull in 2005 but I wanted a seat in the eight and to do that I needed to change clubs.
“I joined Toowong Rowing Club and was paired up with Robyn Herries and we made selection for the Interstate Women’s Eight.
“I’ll never forget the thrill of sitting in the eight at the start proudly wearing the Queensland zootie.”
Helen will make her long-awaited return to the Pan Pacs after missing out on the past two events to injury and is excited to experience the atmosphere of the event once again.
“It’s great being a part of the games and not only competing but celebrating with like-minded people from all different sports and from all different places,” said Helen.
“I have competed in many places here in Australia and overseas and no matter where you go, the spirit of masters rowing prevails – it is warm, friendly, competitive and fun.”
The Pan Pacs isn’t the only competition on Helen’s radar with the New Zealand Masters Games and World Masters Games in Italy penciled in her calendar.
“I am competing in the NZ Masters Games in September and I am booked to go to Italy next year for the World Masters Games at Turin where I will be celebrating my 60th birthday on the last day of the games,” said Helen.
“I owe a lot to rowing – it has kept me healthy, has given me a fantastic circle of genuine friends, it has provided opportunities to travel and most importantly, gives me something to look forward to each day.”
The new system was born here and filagra this is not something that we would like to see. Caverta although better in some elements but not important for us.
