A taste of action on the global stage has left Tasmanian rower Olivia Yeates hungry for more.
July’s Under-23 World Championships in the Polish city of Poznan provided all the incentive required for the 20-year-old to return.
“It was an amazing experience,” Yeates said. “It was one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life but it was everything I wanted.”
With Yeates in the bow seat joined by Sarah Fahd, of NSW, plus Queenslanders Sophie Malcolm and stroke Eliza Bridgefoot, the Aussie women's quadruple sculls crew finished sixth in the A-final.
Having already enjoyed success at state and national level, Yeates was an instant convert to international competition.
“It was really exciting to put on the green and gold zootie. I was really proud to do that for Tasmania because we have such a long history of scullers and sweepers representing Australia and I think it was really important for me to continue that and show athletes they can do it from here.
“It was such a high-intensity, competitive environment and you had to bring your best every day to perform but also have fun while doing it.
“There was so much I learned about myself to get into that environment and see how I could perform. Understanding how to get to the next level was really eye-opening for me. It put me under pressure but was really exciting to see how I reacted and performed. It has given me good preparation for if I get into the team again.”
Hobart-born Yeates grew up in Latrobe and rowed for St Brendan Shaw College and Mersey Rowing Club in Devonport before being identified in the Tasmanian Institute of Sport talent ID program.
After success in under-19 competition, Yeates stepped up to under-21s, where national double and quad scull gold medals earned an invitation to Australian team trials.
Also training in Brisbane and at the Australian Institute of Sport’s European Training Centre in Italy, she was awarded Rowing Australia’s Flavia Gobbo OAM Bursary of $5,000 to assist with her rowing expenses. Meanwhile, beginning a Bachelor of Arts in media and communication meant a move to Hobart and switch to Tasmania University Boat Club.
The 186-centimetre powerhouse, who turned 20 in October and is now on a full TIS scholarship, is excited by the potential of two more years of under-23 competition.
“I have a lot of time on my hands to develop my craft and enjoy the sport so I think I have a great opportunity, especially in Tasmania with the support of the TIS,” Yeates said.
“The TIS supports athletes in a way that is really special. You grow connections with your physio, your nutritionist, your psychologist and your coach. Having that close relationship means they really do care about how you perform and are growing as an athlete, which means you can develop more and put your best into the sport.”
Inspired by mum Meryn’s drive, brother Angus’s Tasmanian hockey representation and the national success of Mersey clubmate Taylor Wilczynski, Yeates is determined to add to Tasmania’s impressive rowing heritage.
“I think Tasmania has small communities but big hearts,” she added. “You get so much support in this small environment because it’s such a small talent pool and so you are able to get recognised a lot quicker than if you were in bigger states.
“Last season we had four scullers at the under-19 Australian trials which is exciting and shows that Tasmania is doing the right things to get them onto the world stage.
“I think you also learn a lot about yourself from rowing. Rowing is always going to be a hard sport but I think that is one of the reasons why I like it so much. Every day you have to push yourself both mentally and physically.”
Article by Rob Shaw.