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Rowing South Africa. Rowing stars shine in the UK.
Four exceptional athletes from Holy Rosary School have proudly returned from the United Kingdom after representing Rowing South Africa with distinction at two prestigious international regattas.
Following standout performances at the South African Schools Rowing Championships, Erin Beeming, Cleo de Keizer, Emilia Riccardi, and Kate Zillen were selected for the prestigious RowSA U16 Development Tour — a 10‑day showcase of high‑level international competition.
The tour saw the girls competing at the legendary Dorney Lake, venue of the 2012 Olympic Games, where they tested themselves against elite British clubs and schools. The Holy Rosary rowers displayed the grit, discipline, and technical skill that have become hallmarks of the school’s rowing program.
Holy Rosary Chairperson Roberto Riccardi reflected: “Seeing our girls line up at a venue like Dorney Lake is a proud moment for the entire Holy Rosary community. Their success, particularly the gold in the JW16 Four, is a testament to their discipline and the many early mornings they have put in on the water.”
The Wallingford Regatta
- Gold medal: Cleo de Keizer & Erin Beeming in the JW16 Four final.
- Fourth place: Kate Zillen, Cleo de Keizer & Emilia Riccardi in the JW16 Quad final.
- Top five finish: Erin Beeming in the JW16 Eights.
- Fifth place: Kate Zillen & Annabelle Logan (St Stithians) in the Senior Women’s Double heat.
The Junior Scullery Regatta
- B Final victory: Emilia Riccardi in the single sculls.
- Strong representation: Cleo de Keizer in single sculls.
- Fourth place: Kate Zillen & Erin Beeming in the double sculls B final.
The school’s rowing expertise was further recognised through the selection of Coach Thabelo Masutha, who served as one of the official tour coaches, providing vital leadership to the national development squad abroad.
“We are not just building athletes; we are building ambassadors,” added Riccardi. “The way these girls conducted themselves, both on and off the water, made us incredibly proud. They have returned with invaluable experience that will undoubtedly lift the standard of our local Holy Rosary School Rowing Club.”
Congratulations, Erin, Cleo, Emilia, Kate, and Coach Thabelo, for flying the flag for South Africa and Holy Rosary School both at home and abroad.
Read more school news here: https://schoolsthatrock.co.za/
https://holyrosaryschool.co.za/
Photos supplied
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