NESTLES rower Aaron Skinner will compete at the national championships in Penrith following success at state level.
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Skinner won gold in the 1000-metre adaptive single scull from clubmate Chris Horsfall at the Rowing Victoria state championships regatta at Lake Wendouree on Sunday. Coach Val Bertrand said Skinner, who has autism, put in a career-best effort to beat Horsfall, who is vision-impaired.
“He is rowing now in a racing boat which is a challenge for everyone,” she said.
“He rowed so well. It was the best I have seen him row. It was rough and it was a really challenging day and he did really well.”
Fellow Nestles competitor Chris Murray, who has down syndrome, snared gold in the adaptive 500m single scull ahead of clubmate Rose Egerton, who is vision impaired.
Jessica Brunt, who went to the aerobics world championships last year, placed third in the women’s 1000m singles scull D section B final.
Bertrand said the club was thrilled with its competitors’ performances.
“They did do well. I was very proud of Jess because she is 15 and was rowing against older people,” she said. “There were four heats. She came third in her heat and went into the B final and came third in the B final. It was a great effort at her first state championships.”
Shaina Wellsford also coached Nestles’ state title rowers.
justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au