IN CONVERSATION WITH CHRISTOPHER BAXTER
RMB NATIONAL SQUAD U23 MEN ’ S PAIR WORLD RECORD HOLDER
Why did you choose rowing as a sport ?
Rowing was actually my second choice . I initially wanted to play basketball , but my older brother was in the first team and had achieved sports colours . I didn ’ t want to be in his shadow . I went on my first rowing camp so that my stepbrother had someone there that he knew . I then fell in love with the sport – now here I am today !
What has been the highlight of your rowing career so far ?
II think the highlight of my rowing career so far isn ’ t just one moment , it ’ s more of the journey that Damien and I have been on , going from an under 16 pair to winning a gold medal and breaking the under 23 men ’ s pair record seven years later . The ups and downs and everything in between were all worth it . It was definitely a moment and feeling I will never forget .
What ' s your favourite South African regatta and why ?
My favourite South African regatta has to be the South African Championship , senior and junior . Having all the schools and universities there creates an atmosphere that you just can ’ t describe . You have to be there to witness it .
Do you have a message of encouragement for the athletes rowing in the SA Schools Championships ?
Go out onto the water and give it your all , race like you have never raced before . Most importantly , go and have fun and enjoy yourself ! And whatever happens don ’ t give up on two things … don ’ t give up on yourself and don ’ t give up on your dreams . Nothing is going to be straightforward ; there will be ups and downs . The key is to be consistent and always work on getting better .
What ' s the next big event that you ' re training for ?
The next thing that we are training for is to be selected for the team travelling to World Cup 1 . It would be my first World Cup so making a boat would be an amazing experience and achievement .
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