2026 Pathway Squad Results & Wrap-Up

The WA Pathway squad travelled to Penrith this month to compete at the Pathway Regatta at the Sydney International Regatta Centre during the Under 19 Australian Team trials.

2026 WA Pathway Squad

Their results were exceptional, particularly given the circumstances in the lead up to the tour. Preparation time was shortened due to the postponement of the PSA Head of the River, however our crews made the most of the limited time available during a week and a half long training camp based at Aquinas College.

Before we knew it, Saturday 11 April arrived and it was an early 6.00 am departure from Perth Airport. Looking exceptionally sharp despite the early start, the squad landed in Sydney before a one hour car journey to Penrith. A quick boat set up and training paddle followed at SIRC on Saturday afternoon, before a barbeque dinner back at the accommodation.

Pathway Girls VIII+ Credit: Paul Griffin

On Sunday, the squad completed two training paddles, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with some downtime in between. During the athlete briefing that evening, it was announced that the Pathway Heats would be moved from the morning to the afternoon, resulting in a small shift to logistics. We took the opportunity to catch up on extra sleep and eat well before departing after lunch for Monday’s heats. Our crews performed strongly, brushing off the cobwebs ahead of Tuesday’s finals. That evening, the squad had the opportunity to mingle and meet other Pathway athletes from around the country at the Pathway Dinner hosted by Rowing Australia.

Pathway Boys 2nd VIII+ Credit: Steve Vojkovic

Tuesday was finals day and the squad did an outstanding job managing both accommodation check out and final race preparation. The Pathway Girls Coxless Quad were first down the SIRC course, placing first in a strongly contested race. The girls established early control and put distance into the other states to secure the gold medal. Next up were the Pathway Girls Eight, who came out of the blocks hard and fought their way into the pack through the 1000 metre mark. They finished a very credible fourth place, narrowly missing out on a podium finish. Finally, our two Pathway Boys Eights took to the course. Throughout training camp, both crews underwent rigorous seat racing, which they handled with great maturity and enthusiasm. This process only strengthened both crews, with the second VIII+ finishing sixth and beating two other states’ first eights, while the WA first eight delivered an outstanding performance to claim second place.

Pathway Girls Coxless Quad Credit: Steve Vojkovic

Pathway Boys 1st VIII+ Credit: Steve Vojkovic

A huge thank you to the Pathway coaches for their tireless efforts and immense passion in supporting, nurturing and coaching these incredible young athletes. Thank you also to the parents for their ongoing support and to those who travelled across to cheer on our crews at SIRC. We are grateful to Aquinas College for the use of their facilities and equipment, which helped contribute to such a successful tour. Finally, thank you to WAIS, UWA Boat Club, Swan River Rowing Club and Fremantle Rowing Club for providing boats and equipment that allowed our athletes to perform at such a high level.