Sport
Olivia's world attempt
Friday 16 May, 2008 12:01am
MOSMAN rower Olivia Heath is one of the youngest competitors to represent Australia at the Junior World Rowing Championships.
The 16-year-old Pymble Ladies College student has been nominated as this week's Junior Sports Star by coach Nick Garratt.
Mr Garratt coaches the 2008 Olympic women's quad.
Earlier this month, the Daily reported Olivia would be flying to the Czech Republic and Austria to compete in the under-19 women's four competition.
Her mother Linda said Olivia has to fund the $6000 trip herself.
"The NSW Institute of Sport has provided her with a small grant, which will be of some help," Mrs Heath said.
Olivia is aiming for three junior world championships and trains seven days a week to make this dream come true.
"She wakes up at 4.30 in the morning and is in the water at Sydney rowing club by 5," Mrs Heath said.
"My favourite training sessions are at the NSW Institute of Sport with athletes of all disciplines," Olivia said.
"My least favourite part of the training is the fatigue."
The rower wants to compete in the Crash B sprint championships in Boston in February 2009. She was placed in the top three under-19 lightweight indoor rowers in the competition this year.
Olivia's other achievements for this year include being a gold medallist in the Australian Championships' double skull under-17 event and a silver medallist in single scull at under-17 level.
Nominate a Junior Sports Star now. Nominees must be aged 10-16 years at the time of nomination and live in the area. Nominees who have their story published are in the running to become The Mosman Daily Junior Sports Star of the Year and receive a cash prize of $1000, thanks to our sponsor, the North Sydney Anzac Memorial Club.
