Warrnambool rowing export Kathryn Ross sure knows how to make an emphatic comeback.
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The 37-year-old hadn't graced the international stage since her former partner Gavin Bellis retired following the 2016 Rio Olympics.
But a three-year hiatus didn't stop Ross from picking up two gold medals in the PR2 women's single scull at the 2019 FISA International Para-rowing Regatta, held in Gavirate, Italy, from May 17 to 19.
And while the Canberra-based rower was excited to be back at the elite level, Ross said she couldn't help but come down with a case of the butterflies when she hit the starting line.
"I felt more nervous going into this because you're on own in the single scull and I wasn't sure where I'd be sitting on the world stage," she said.
"But I managed to do extremely well. The conditions were quite tricky on the first regatta and I think having 12 years experience gave me an advantage over some of my opponents."
Ross said the Italian regatta also held special significance for her as it was a unique opportunity for Paralympians.
"We weren't joined by able-bodied rowers, it was just for para, which was pretty exciting," she said.
"And a highlight for me was to see all my old rivals - I think they were actually a bit surprised to see me again. So it was great to be back on the circuit and test out my hand racing in a single."
The triple Paralympian, who also works four days a week as a nurse at the University of Canberra hospital, now turns her attention back to braving the bush capital's cold mornings in preparation for the World Rowing Championships.
These will be held in Linz-Ottensheim, Austria, from August 25 to September 1.
"I'd love to be able to take out a world championship title on my own," Ross said.
"But the single event is always very tough - you've got no one else to blame but yourself."
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