Meet the Mackay couple set to compete at next year’s World Masters Rowing Championships

This Mackay couple only picked up rowing in their 50s but they’re already eyeing World Championship success, and an ex-Olympian is helping them get there. Find out how.

Richard McGrath (left) and Therese Clancy (middle left) have fallen in love with rowing, and are looking to build on their success at the National Championships in Sydney. Picture: Contributed

Five years ago, Richard McGrath had never picked up an oar.

Now he and partner Therese Clancy have their sights set on next year’s World Masters Rowing Championships in Germany.

McGrath revealed he wouldn’t have discovered rowing if it wasn’t for partner Therese.

“Someone got her into rowing and said this is nice to try… (she) got hooked on it,” McGrath said.

“She was training for three years before me and loved it, loved competing and loved the challenge of competing.”

Now aged 55, McGrath picked up the sport in 2018 and hasn’t looked back since.

He competed in the men’s double, mixed double, and mixed quad earlier this year at the National Masters Rowing Championships in Sydney, alongside Therese - who claimed one gold and two silvers - and other Mackay Rowing Club members.

Therese Clancy (left) following her success at the National Championships in June. Picture: Contributed

The couple, along with fellow rowers at the club, have been receiving ‘fly-in fly-out’ coaching from two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Richard Powell.

The Brisbane-based Powell revealed an interesting motive behind helping the club.

“I talk about my key coach through my elite years, I could never pay back what he’s done for me, because you just can’t, so I talk about paying forward,” Powell said.

“He was able to help me, my gratitude is that I help other people.”

The dedication of the group also made the task more appealing to Powell, who also provides feedback from video footage when he can’t be in Mackay.

“(They’re) really keen and so committed, just lack the coaching stocks,” Powell said.

“So as a coach it’s quite rewarding when you’re working with people who are dedicated and keen, wanna learn, and are eager for it.”

For McGrath, the birth of his love of rowing was simple.

“In the middle of the morning when it changes light and you just see the ripples in the water - man, it’s incredible,” said McGrath, awe seeping through his voice.

And regardless of how the couple fares in Germany next September, they’ll be able to share the experience, something McGrath finds a special solace in.

“The good thing about it is as a couple we’re able to both compete and train together in a sport we enjoy and love,” he said.

“Then to be able to travel and compete with that same person is great.

“It’s a win-win-win.”