Young crew fight until the last stroke

The Francis Douglas Memorial College crew of Logan Olsson and Cobi McCook have rowed their last race, bowing out of the U18 novice double sculls.

After finishing eighth in their heat for the event on Monday, the crew from New Plymouth raced in the first repechage.

Heading into the race, Olsson and McCook had their eye on the prize and a hunger to keep competing.

“This is our race,” McCook said to Olsson.

“I want another race this week; I don’t care what final it is.”

To get another race, coach Jason Williams believed that they needed to row a similar time to their best on the ergs (rowing machines).

Unfortunately their final time of 8:53:52 was not quite enough to see them make a final.

At the tender ages of 16 and 15 respectively, the boys were up an age group and one of the smaller crews competing in the event.

Regardless, they fought hard until the final stroke.

“They did really well for how hard they’ve trained,” Williams said.

“[I’m] really proud.”

Olsson and McCook will spend the rest of their week cheering on their team mates Mason Porteous and Bodie Butler as they continue to compete.