His crew had the fourth fastest time by a margin of more than 6 seconds in the semis and were unlucky to miss out on a place in the A final.

The event was an invaluable experience for these young rowers with many of them looking forward to senior selection in future years.

Selection for a place in the Australian squad involves successful performance at club, State and national levels.

Training leading up to the world championships included three months of intense training in Melbourne and two weeks in Munich.

Preparation for events such as this becomes a full time occupation for the athletes who are only partially funded by Rowing Australia and the NSW Institute of Sport.

The Sydney University Boat Club organised fundraising for their athletes in the Australian Squad.

Justin would like to thank the local businesses who supported this effort. The Abbey, Airborne Avionics, Stockman Motor Inn and Restaurant and Taronga Western Plains Zoo all contributed to an auction item, which showcased some of the best attractions in the west at the fund raising lunch held in Sydney.

Two Rivers Winery of Denman generously donated wine, and Colleen Langtry of Wagga Wagga donated hats for the auction.

Justin would also like to thank the major sponsor, Ausmin Fertilisers of Queensland and their agent Kate Mudford of regional Fertiliser Suppliers Nyngan, who along with Elders of Trangie, Darcy Kennedy Accountants Dubbo and N M Owen Fuel Suppliers of Albert, provided valuable support.

The United States of America won both the men’s and women’s VIII with rowers of enormous size. Our rowers are going to have to grow. The opportunity to compete against the best in the world and see the talents of the next generation of senior rowers in action was a fantastic experience.