10 July 2007

University of Queensland Boat Club (UQBC) athletes have swapped the Brisbane River for international waters, with a number of rowers currently representing Australia in regattas around the world.

After a blistering performance in the Australian selection trials in April, Sally Kehoe has had a mixed outing in the Rowing World Cup series in Europe.

Ms Kehoe was forced to pull out of the World Cup in Austria last month due to illness, but she bounced back to lead Australia’s charge in the second World Cup in Amsterdam.

The 20-year-old narrowly missed out on a podium position, finishing fourth in both the women’s eight and women’s pair.

Sam Conrad also flew the flag for UQBC in Amsterdam, rowing in the men’s eight.

Ms Kehoe and Mr Conrad will now turn their attention to the third and final leg of the World Cup in Switzerland this week, where they will be joined by fellow UQBC members Michael McBryde and Margarite Houston.

Sam Renton and Jared Bidwell are also making the voyage overseas to compete in the World Rowing Under 23 Championships in Scotland on July 23.

The pair will race together in the quad scull under former UQBC head coach Joe Rodrigues.

But not all of UQBC's best are currently competing in Europe, with promising young star Angus Morton flying to China to represent Australia in the World Rowing Junior Championships next month.

Media: Cassandra Erbs at UQ SPORT (07 3371 7229, cassandrae@uqsport.uq.edu.au)