Geelong College’s Mackenzie Pugh to row at the Henley Royal Regatta

A Geelong College student has been selected to row at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta in England and the AFLW Cats team are helping her get there.

Geelong College student Mackenzie Pugh is being supported by AFLW players Alexis Gregor, Chantal Mason, Meghan McDonald and Nina Morrison. Picture: Brad Fleet

A Geelong College student will row at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta in England, but first she’s focusing on a fundraising effort that the Cats’ AFLW team is throwing their support behind.

Year 12 student Mackenzie Pugh will travel to the UK early next month with the Mercantile Rowing Club’s under 19 eight-member female team.

It follows the 17-year-old’s successful season with Geelong College, including a podium finish at the national championships, followed gold medal success in the Victorian under 18 women’s 8+ crew.

“It’s completely surreal to be racing to one of the most prestigious rowing events,” Mackenzie said.

Mackenzie Pugh is off to compete in England. Picture: Brad Fleet.

Mackenzie said the Henley crew was self-funded, which meant training was being combined with raising the required money to get to England.

To assist the effort, Mackenzie is hosting a 24-hour indoor rowing event at College’s Belerren Centre, commencing at 2pm on June 7.

She said there were no distance or pace targets, rather the goal was to keep the machine moving for the entire duration.

Mackenzie said she was grateful that some of the Cats’ AFLW players had promised to join in the effort, including the College’s 2024 Captain Chantal Mason.

Mackenzie said it would run overnight and she would row the slots that weren’t filled.

“It’s like a slumber party in the school gym,” she said.

“I think there will be a few hours where mum and dad and I will have to split up the rowing between us.

“We’ll provide brekky and dinner.”

Mackenzie thanked the Geelong College community, Corio Bay Rowing Club, where she is a member, and Barwon Rowing Club, who have donated to the fundraiser.

Mackenzie said she was encouraging the school community to sign up and help fill the rowing timeslots, or consider donating.

As of Tuesday morning, the online fundraiser had generated more than $1400, with a $10,000 target.

Originally published as Geelong College’s Mackenzie Pugh to row at the Henley Royal Regatta