FRESH from collecting a bronze medal at the World Rowing Championships in New Zealand, Warrnambool export Kathryn Ross returned to where it all began earlier this week.
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Less than four years ago, the 29-year-old hopped into a boat on the Merri River with the encouragement of Nestles Rowing Club president Tom Bertrand.
Ross would go on to claim a silver medal at the Beijing Paralympics and swags of placings at world cups and championships.
She is now bound for London.
"It's nice to back home and share (my success) with the town," she said.
"It's important to show Warrnambool has produced great athletes.
"I want to thank the community for their support the whole way.
"It really drives me on."
Ross' most recent outing was at Lake Karapiro in New Zealand with mixed double scull partner Grant Bailey.
Reigning world champions Ukraine secured a comfortable four-second victory in the trunk-and-arms event.
But only 0.29 seconds separated France, Australia and Brazil.
Australia snared the bronze medal with a time of 4 minutes and 28.16 seconds.
The speed was more than 20 seconds slower than the time they set in the heats.
"That's the difference the head-wind makes," Ross said.
"For those conditions, we're very happy with that time.
"We're extremely happy that we medalled."
Ross said it was "one of the best world championships" she had attended.
"Rowing is huge over there," she said.
"It is as big as their football is."
Ross and Bailey, who are both based at the AIS in Canberra, will return to full training at the end of the month.
The duo's 2011 rowing calendar is bursting with state and national titles, time trials, world cups and another world championship.
But it is the London Paralympics in 2012 which is getting the most attention.
"New Zealand was a good stepping stone for London," Ross said.
"Grant and I have only been rowing as a crew for six months, so to get on the podium looks very promising."
The Brauer College graduate said there was still plenty of changes to be made in the boat.
"We've got a lot of work do do on technique," she said.
"We will be looking outside the square.
"We have to remember we're not able bods, we don't have use of our legs, so we have to test different theories.
"It's all trial and error."
Ross has been enjoying time away from the water with her family in Warrnambool.
"I'm meant to be relaxing," she said, minutes after completing a spin class yesterday.
"I had a full week off to refocus and back off training."
Ross is looking for sponsorship to support her London campaign.
