ROWERS MAKING WAVES
Dynamic duo Jessica Scott and Leukie Smith have formed a winning friendship on the way to becoming world-class rowers
THEY started out as two friends who happened to play the same sport. Now Leukie Smith and Jessica Scott are making waves on the rowing scene.
The pair became friends after joining an introductory rowing program in Year 8.
Flash forward almost five years and the pair are heading to the Czech Republic to represent Australia at the World Rowing Junior Championships.
They’re joined by two other teammates in the Junior Women’s Coxless Four after being selected following their three gold-medal wins at the Sydney International Rowing Regatta.
It’s a big step for the duo who, according to Ms Smith, were fast friends once they joined forces in their rowing team.
“We got a lot closer in Year 9 when we were in the same crew and then outside of rowing we became really good friends,” she said.
“Obviously, that friendship stuck and I consider her one of my really, really good friends so it’s just kind of a benefit that we can row together and work hard together.”
“It makes it really cool to have such a good friend who is willing to work as hard for you and with you to try and achieve similar things.”
Ms Scott said it took a while to realise their potential together and create the “good
connection” they have now.
“I think after rowing for a few years together, and also having our coach Sean who moved up with us, we found that connection and we could move a boat together well,” she said.
They took on their first pair competition in Year 11 and haven’t stopped since.
“We both know this is what we want. Personally, I really wanted to make the Australian team this year and I know Leukie did as well,” she said.
The World Rowing Junior Championships will be held in the Czech city of Racice.
Hundreds are set to compete at the event next month, but Ms Scott said the feeling of crossing the finish line far outweighed any nerves she might have.
“It is a very hard sport, a lot of hours and a lot of effort goes into it, but when you do actually compete and get the results, it makes me want to keep going a bit more,” she said.
“It’s hard to describe but (when you finish) you kind of forget about the whole race, because it just feels so easy.
“You finish a race and you just go, ‘Wow, all the early mornings and all the training was all so worth doing to get that win’.”
For now they aren’t looking too far ahead, both promising to take it year by year as they make their way toward the under-21s competition.
And as they finish up a 10day training camp in Prague and the World Championships loom, the pressure is on for this dynamite duo to make their mark.