Scullers cruise into Junior Sports Star award after grand effort at international regatta

THE biggest regatta since the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games didn't faze scullers Connor O'Carrigan and Declan Quin.

Declan Quin and Connor O'Carrigan , coach Adam Becker

IT might have been the biggest regatta held in Australia since the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, but the grand rowing stage did not faze Cranbrook scullers Connor O'Carrigan and Declan Quin.

Connor and Declan, both 14, made the national A final of the under-17 double scull event at the Sydney International Rowing Regatta last month.

Both athletes have been nominated for the Wentworth Courier Junior Sports Star award, sponsored by Rebel.

Despite having trained together in the double scull for just one season and taking on competitors nearly three years older than them, the pair won their heat, finished second in their semi-final and finished sixth in the A final from a field of 26 boats.

"Of all the boats, I love the double but I enjoy getting in the eight as well," Declan said.

"It was challenging to go against older and bigger crews but it was a good experience.

"I would like to row at university eventually, but looking further than that it would be great to take it to an Olympic level."