Conargo shearer Bob White goes for two-stand world record attempt
SHEARERS don’t come much fitter than Bob White.
SHEARERS don’t come much fitter than Bob White.
As well as shearing professionally, the 26-year-old from Conargo trains to increase his strength and endurance four or five days a week and follows a strict natural foods diet to keep in shape.
His goal is to be the best shearer in NSW and on February 21, he and Beau Guelfi, of Gisborne, in New Zealand, will take on the two-stand, eight-hour, Merino ewe world record at Dubbo.
The pair already have a title under their belts after breaking the three-stand Merino ewe world record of 1289 in eight hours with Gilgandra shearer Steve Mudford in April last year.
“The two-stand number to break is 924 but if either of us do over 466 in eight hours it will break the single record for Merino ewes,” Bob said.
“That’s what everyone is trying to beat — I shore 432 and Beau did 461 last time, so I was about 30 off.
“This (next attempt) is round two.”
Bob has been shearing for eight years and owns Three Rivers Shearing company with twin brother Charlie.
He said the days of shearing hard and drinking hard in the game are over.
“The lifestyle has really changed,” he said.
“Shearing is my sport now.
“Every learner wants to be a gun.
“Once I was the fastest in the shed, I wanted to be the fastest in NSW.”
The pair is using the event to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Strict rules mean no one can touch either shearer or their handpieces in the record attempt and there will be about half a dozen judges to keep an eye on them.
“The adrenalin is pumping when you go for a record,” Bob said.
“Your body is in excruciating pain all day — I was glad when it was over.”
