Mandurah rowing star Bree Kennedy-Smith is gearing up to help Australia tackle New Zealand head on in the approaching Trans-Tasman regatta.
Kennedy-Smith was selected to the Australian under 21s women’s team earlier this year, after her and partner Bronwyn Cox claimed the title for the age group’s fastest pair in coxless rowing.
Now, the pair are in training to compete in the Trans-Tasman, which will pit Australia’s best talent against New Zealand’s in a bid for the Rusty Robertson trophy.
“It was absolutely surreal to be selected to the Australian side, so we really want to compete well for the team and help bring home the trophy,” Kennedy-Smith said.
“We’re overwhelmed by what we have achieved so now we need to continue training and make sure we row well.”
The duo recently took on New Zealand at a 10-day camp in Sydney, where they won all three of their heats and finals.
Kennedy-Smith first got involved in the sport through a school program when she attended Methodist Ladies College.
The Mandurah local quickly found her feet in rowing.
“The community within the sport is really great – it’s something I was attracted to from the very beginning,” she said.
“It’s a real team effort to win every race and the people involved are like me and are all super competitive.”
Now, the rowing prodigy trains three times a day to keep her fitness at peak condition for upcoming events like the Trans-Tasman.
The first session of her training is an 18 kilometre row, followed by a second row of 10 kilometres and finally a workout session.
“It’s a pretty intense training session, but it’s definitely necessary to make sure you stay in good physical shape,” she said.
“Being selected in the Australian team really made it clear that the training is worth it.”
The 19-year-old Kennedy-Smith labelled her selection in the Australian team as an overwhelming achievement.
“We tried out for the under 19 team last season but fell just short, so getting into the team this year was definitely something we were aiming for,” she said.
“We initially tried out for the under 23 squad but just missed out, so we chose to go into the under 21 side.
“To do it with a partner like Bronwyn is really special.”
The pair are set to fly out to New Zealand in September, but are fundraising to be able to get there.
To donate, visit funds.gofundme.com/mobile/dashboard?url=Wendy-kennedysmith