Steering Aussies to success
AS a coxswain for the Under-21 Australian rowing squad, Sarah Ben-David holds down one of the most unusual positions in sport.
AS a coxswain for the Under-21 Australian rowing squad, Sarah Ben-David holds down one of the most unusual positions in sport.
The coxswain, or simply the cox, does not partake in rowing but sits at the back of the boat facing the front, entrusted with steering the craft, while coordinating the power and rhythm of the rowers using technical know-how and old-school encouragement.
“It’s a leadership role I really enjoy taking on,” Ben-David, who started rowing as a year 8 student at Methodist Ladies College, told The AJN.
“The role doesn’t have the physical challenge of rowing, but it’s really mentally stimulating. You have to tap into the emotions of eight girls, try and get them to row as efficiently as possible, but work as hard as they possibly can.”
Ben-David was initially placed as the cox because of her suitably small size -– she is 160cm and 50kg.
“It’s a role that I’ve really fitted into quite nicely and I’m really enjoying it.”
The 20-year-old Melburnian will need to harness all of her management skills for the Trans-Tasman Challenge Regatta Series between Australia and New Zealand, which takes place over two legs, the first round at Sydney’s International Regatta Centre from this Thursday until Saturday.
Ben-David is the only Victorian representative on Australia’s Under-21 Women’s Sweep squad (a nine-person team comprising eight rowers and Ben-David), with her selection earned off the back of a strong performance at the 2015 Australia Rowing Championships in March.
“Racing at nationals this year was a highlight, as I won all three of my events, one of which was with the Victorian team, which was really fun and really exciting race,” she said.
“I like being part of a team with people who are able to push themselves. I have so much respect for rowers because its seven minutes of being in excruciating pain while also having to focus and work hard.
“It’s also the mental challenge of trying to mould eight different people together to go as fast as possible, and when you hit that max speed it feels amazing and the boat just sort of glides along.”
Ben-David, who rows locally for Melbourne University Boat Club, is partially funded by Rowing Australia but is requesting financial aid for her trip to New Zealand for the Trans-Tasman’s second-leg in late August.
If her team triumphs over the Kiwis during the Regatta event, tradition dictates that the coxswain is thrown into the water by teammates.
Here’s hoping Ben-David makes a splash.
ADAM BLAU
Donate to Sarah’s rowing campaign at: gofundme.com/x2a8dfw
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