The Kings Cup and World Cup One (911 days since my last International Race)

Hello to you all,

Just a short post with a wrap of the Interstate VIII (Kings Cup) and World Cup 1 in the M4x.

The Interstate VIII for 2014 did not turn out to be the year for Victoria to take it back from NSW. They beat us by a solid margin, and full credit to SA who got across the line in second place leaving us in 3rd. We had full intentions of blasting from the blocks to go with the speed we knew the NSW men would set, however it wasn't enough on the day and they were too good leaving us for dead and sending us back to the drawing board for another year even hungrier again.

The World Cup on Sunday was something I had been looking forward to for a very long time. Not specifically this world cup, but simply having the opportunity to wear an Aussie zootie. It had been 911 days since the final at worlds in 2011 in the 8 where we placed 4th. In that period I have had 4 major operations: a hip arthroscopy post worlds in 2011, major leg surgery april 2012, major leg surgery february/march 2103 and the final op on my legs in June 2013. To have overcome the challenges associated with these physical and emotional rehabilitation periods is something that I am proud to have achieved, and also happy that the effort was all for something.

World Champs 2011. M8+

The race in the quad at the sydney world cup ended as well as it could have for me as we crossed the line in first place beating the Chinese and the second Australian crew. As a crew prior to the race we spoke about doing the best job we possibly could have and seeing how fast we could go, while hopeful that would win us the race. I was fortunate to have been placed in a crew with three talented scullers making my job in the bow seat very simple. The win keeps my perfect record of quad scull racing alive (1 from 1). 

World Cup 1, 2014. M4x

Out in front in the race and praying I don't stuff up. 

Feeling Good

 It was a good way to end the week of racing after a disappointing effort in the 1x final and the kings cup result.

Be sure to tune in tomorrow and the following monday to catch the next two episodes of Unsinkable: The race to Recovery featuring all the insights to the racing at the National Championships, Interstate Racing and the World Cup.

Lastly, I just wanted to thank all of you who have supported me since I began documenting my recovery in June of last year. It hasn't been easy to always share things, but I hope that you have enjoyed it so far and that it may have helped you to not give up on your dreams and to take on the big challenges.

Cheers, John