Red Beach rower making his mark

Red Beach rower Blake Bradshaw signed off his first season of competing in the United States for the University of Washington with success at the Inter-Collegiate Rowing Association’s National Championship held last month in New Jersey.

Blake’s crew won the third Varsity Eight grand final, which contributed to a clean sweep by the University of Washington’s heavyweight crews, and the overall national championship win.

Blake grew up in Dairy Flat and Red Beach, and won his first national rowing title in Westlake Boys’ U18 coxless pair.

He has won numerous other national titles since then, including a premier men’s title, and competed for New Zealand at U21 and U23 level.

He hopes to one day represent New Zealand in Olympic rowing.

Blake returned to the Hibiscus Coast early this month, during the United States summer break, and will then head back there to continue his studies and rowing.

His scholarship with the University of Washington began last year, after a recruitment coach saw him row at the 2019 World Championships.