Loreto College’s Victoria Binns makes history being the youngest named in rowing state crew

A rising SA rower has made history as the youngest athlete to be named in our state women’s youth eight ahead of the nationals this month.

Loreto College’s Victoria Binns has made history after being the youngest named in Rowing SA’s women’s youth eight crew which will compete at the national titles this month. Picture: Keryn Stevens

She was a week shy of 15 but Victoria Binns was punching above her age bracket.

The rising rowing star made history last month when she became the youngest to be named in Rowing SA’s women’s youth eight crew.

Binns, now 15, will row with the state team at 2021 Australian Rowing Championships in Tasmania later this month.

The Year 10 student had been taking part in selection processes since October, training every Friday morning with tests over various distances on the indoor rower, long distance time trials in the boat, short distance racing side-by-side and seat racing, where rowers swap positions in crew boats.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE WHO’S IN THE CREW

Loreto rower Victoria Binns. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Victoria was proud to have been named in the team.

“It makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something,” she said.

“I felt excited and it was good because I’m friends with all the girls already and know everyone.

“I am a bit nervous (about nationals) as the competition is very fierce but it will be a very good experience.”

Victoria first started rowing when she was 10, fell in love with the sport and has continued

ever since.

She trains twice a week on a rowing machine, completes one weight session per week and five water sessions in the boat.

The youngster, who is coached at Loreto by former Dutch national rowing team member Tom Doornbos, helped the college win the 2019 Head of the River.

But was unable to compete in last year’s prestigious school race as a shorter version of the Head of the River rowing regatta went ahead, with just the seniors.

Victoria then competed at the 2021 NSW state championships and claimed silver in the under-16 single scull event.

Her long-term goal is to be selected on an Australian team.

But she is firstly focused on helping SA medal at the 2021 nationals, set to be hosted from March 22, before rowing with Loreto at this year’s Head of the River.

“I just want to see how far I can get and see where rowing takes me, which will hopefully be making a national Australian team and then an Olympics one day,” she said.

FULL 2021 WOMEN’S YOUTH EIGHT TEAM:

■ Sophie Tickner (Adelaide University Boat Club, age 19)

■ Cleo Wilson (Adelaide University, age 19)

■ Jemima Richter Adelaide University, age 19

■ Georgina Birchall (Wilderness, age 16)

■ Clare Romaniuk (St Peters Girls, age 17)

■ Sophie Barr (St Peters Girls, age 17)

■ Milla Barei (St Peters Girls, age 16)

■ Victoria Binns (Loreto, age 14)