The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Rowing team delivered a strong performance at the 2024 University Sport South Africa (USSA) Rowing Sprints, securing a commendable third-place finish overall. This accomplishment comes after missing the previous year’s competition due to financial limitations.
The UJ women’s crew spearheaded UJ’s success, claiming third place in their category. They displayed exceptional talent, bringing home a gold medal, five silver and three bronze medals. Notably, Emma Gomes and Nadia Gaspari achieved recognition by qualifying for the USSA-R Blues Team, comprising the top 8 performers. Courtly Nicolson and Louise Basson were also selected for the prestigious USSA-R Grudge Team, highlighting their status among the top 16 female athletes at the event.
The UJ men’s crew finished in sixth place overall. Although they didn’t reach the podium, their three silver medals showed their potential as serious contenders in the competition.
UJ Women’s Rowing Team Coach, Daniel-Joshua Louw, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance. He credited their hard work and determination for this achievement.
“I am really pleased with the efforts of the entire team and believe that this is a testament to their hard work and drive as a squad. The team walked away from this regatta with confidence and we now aim to take this momentum into the upcoming Boat Race season as we prepare to challenge last year’s 4th place finish at the USSA Boat Race in September,” said Coach Louw.
Looking ahead, Coach Louw is confident that this momentum will propel UJ towards a strong showing at the upcoming USSA Boat Race, aiming to improve upon their previous fourth-place finish.
Ten universities participated in the USSA Rowing Sprints, including the University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks), University of Cape Town (UCT), University of the Western Cape (UWC), Stellenbosch University (SU Maties), University of Fort Hare (UFH), Walter Sisulu University (WSU), Wits University, Nelson Mandela University (NMU), and Rhodes University.
The UJ teams comprised the following athletes:
Men’s Crew: Lyle Swanepoel, Sven Clausen, Vincent Jackson, Rudy Bellengere, Terrence Laughton, Lindokuhle Ndlovu, Mlibo Ndzamela, Daniel Basson, Tshepo Mohale, Aphiwe Pono, Lukholo Sibali, Sabata Shiburi, Puluso Nawa, Ayabonga Klaas, Daniel Doller and Wesley van der Nest.
Women’s Crew: Emma Gomes, Courtly Nicolson, Louise Basson, Paidamoyo Mapfuwa, Charlotte Cannone, Thembelihle Tshuma, Amahle Gcwensa, Courtney Rocher, Paris-Leigh Haywood, Sisipho Mhlontlo, Jabulile Masondo, Lethokuhle Ngubane, Odirile Pusoe, and Nadia Gaspari.
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