Four Coastal Rowers selected for World Beach Games
Elizabeth Newell and Morgan Hodgson are among the athletes selected for the World Beach Games in Bali.
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has announced the first four athletes to represent Australia at the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) World Beach Games to be held in Bali in August 2023, which will see more than 1400 athletes from 100 nations compete across 13 disciplines.
Elizabeth Newell, Ellen Pozzi, Marcus Della Marta and Morgan Hodgson have been selected to represent Australia in Coastal Rowing – Beach Sprints, which sees competitors race by foot on sand to their boats, race through open water around two buoys before heading back to the beach finish line.
Elizabeth and Marcus will compete in the women’s and men’s solo events respectively, with Ellen and Morgan pairing up for the mixed double event.
The Australian Team will also compete in Beach Handball, with the men’s and women’s handball teams due to be selected in the coming weeks.
AOC CEO Matt Carroll said the Beach Games was a great opportunity for Australian athletes.
“Congratulations to our first four athletes selected for the ANOC World Beach Games,” Mr Carroll said.
“This event gives Australian athletes another stage to compete and develop their skills in a multi-sport international environment.
“With Coastal Rowing growing in popularity around the world and being considered for inclusion on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic programme, this is a fantastic opportunity for Australian rowers to test themselves against the world.”
Dual Olympian Sarah Cook, Rowing Australia’s Chief Operating Officer and member of World Rowing’s Coastal Rowing Commissions, welcomed the selection news.
“Rowing Australia is excited to see Coastal Rowing – Beach Sprints featuring at the World Beach Games in beautiful Bali, and we congratulate our four athletes on their selection and wish them all the very best for their preparations,” Ms Cook said.
“We know Elizabeth, Ellen, Marcus and Morgan will wear the Green and Gold with pride. Our community will have the chance to watch them compete and can even have a go at Coastal Rowing themselves at the upcoming Australian Coastal Rowing & Beach Sprint Championships in Mooloolaba at the end of July.
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