NAOMI Langley travelled to the Sydney International Rowing Centre on March 16 to compete in the NSW Schoolgirls Head of the River.
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This is the biggest regatta in the southern hemisphere, attracting 1800 students from 40 schools.
Naomi was the first ever representative from St Joseph's Regional College to participate in this prestigious competition, which allows each competitor only one event. She competed in the Year 9 single sculls over 1km.
The heats were conducted early in good conditions. Naomi qualified second fastest of the eight finalists.
The final was contested in terrible conditions, with a headwind gale. Naomi and the lead rower from Newcastle Grammar soon broke clear, but she was never able to peg back the eventual winner.
After receiving the silver medal, Naomi said, "I want to thank my coach Alan Macartney for starting the program at regional and teaching me to row."
When Naomi is not representing her school she rows with Hastings Regional Rowing Club.