Rowing
22 October, 2026
Old cup, new rivalry: Rory rows into history
A friendly rivalry has earned Horsham teenager Rory Flynn a place in rowing history and highlighted the opportunities that wait on the Wimmera River.
Rory, 14, defeated Hamilton and Alexandra College’s Seamus McDonald in the under-15 single scull at Saturday’s Kieser Bendigo Sprint Regatta, reversing their narrow result of the Victorian State Championships in March.
The victory secured the John Godfrey Cup, an elaborate trophy with an international journey behind it.
According to the Bendigo Rowing Club captain, Godfrey, a pioneer of rowing in Bendigo, won the cup in 1897.
It later accompanied his descendants to New Zealand before returning for the club’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
With a new timber base crafted by a local men’s shed, it now serves as a perpetual under-15 trophy.
Rory is its first winner since its return.
Remarkably, Rory began rowing only last year.
His progress owes much to Horsham coach Ray White, whose enthusiasm and generosity demonstrate the difference dedicated volunteers make to country kids.
Horsham’s talent extends beyond singles racing.
Jeremy Matheson, Lachlan Lindorff, Christian Ebersohn, Nirvan Suwal and coxswain Joseph Shepherd claimed men’s C-grade quad scull gold at the 2025 state championships.
Their success raises an exciting possibility: could the Wimmera become a bigger destination for rowing?
Horsham’s sheltered river stretches, alongside Dimboola’s proud rowing tradition and Head of the Wimmera race, provide a promising foundation for more participation and visiting training camps.
Local businesses can also help by sponsoring a boat, giving more young people a chance to compete.
For curious families, a Sunday-morning visit to Horsham City Rowing Club could be the beginning of their own rowing story.