TASMANIA’S elite rowing stocks have taken a massive hit with three of the state’s world champions withdrawing from the national program.
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The loss of Sam Beltz, Tom Gibson and Blair Tunevitsch has left a big hole in Australia’s lightweight four boat, which entered the last Olympics as reigning world champion.
With Anthony Edwards, Kate Hornsey and Dana Faletic retired and Scott Brennan’s competitive future uncertain, it also leaves a significant void for the sport that provided nearly half of Tasmania’s 15 London Olympians.
Beltz said the arrival of his first child five weeks ago prompted his decision but Gibson and Tunevitsch swiftly followed suit, citing work and family commitments.
The combined departures have been hard to take for Brett Crow in his dual roles as national lightweight four and Tasmanian Institute of Sport head rowing coach.
‘‘It’s frustrating,’’ Crow said.
‘‘We were starting to build towards qualification for the next Olympics and to take three top-line athletes out is quite disappointing and hard to take.’’
The boat that brought Australia a world championship gold in 2011 before finishing fourth in London is now in danger of not qualifying for Rio in 2016, needing to make next year’s world championship final in France.
‘‘It’s going to be a tough job and leaves us with a lot of work to do but you’ve got to be positive and look at the new rowers coming through and think we’ve got to make it happen,’’ Crow said.
He said the changes provided opportunities for other lightweight rowers with another Tasmanian 2011 world champion, Ali Foot, among those likely to benefit although he had been focusing more on sculling.
At the age of 33, Kerry Hore remains on track for her fourth consecutive Olympics, Ella Flecker, 25, is leading the crop of aspiring Olympians and 2008 gold medallist Brennan admits he is unsure whether he will recommit.
Beltz, Gibson and Tunevitsch could also yet return to the national set-up, but Crow admitted Tasmanian rowing was unlikely to come close to its 2012 Olympic contingent of seven.
‘‘It has been a transitional year which is frustrating at a time when we’re trying to build to an Olympics.’’
Beltz added: ‘‘I know it’s far from ideal preparation for Rio but priorities do change and I really don’t want to be away right now.
‘‘I felt I wanted to be at home with my son and wife. I was not prepared to miss out on the first couple of months of my son’s life.’’
Brennan, originally of Lindisfarne but based in Canberra since 2010, said a nagging back injury had his career in limbo.
‘‘I really want to make it to Rio and I’m still hoping to once I get over these issues,’’ the 31-year-old triple Olympian said.
Hornsey, 33, who was Tasmania’s top performer in London, winning a silver medal in the pair with Sarah Tait, announced her retirement in October.