HENRY Youl’s exhausting workload is beginning to pay off.
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Working three different jobs and training five mornings a week for the past 10 months in order to continue his love of rowing saw the 19-year-old heavyweight complete a clean sweep of seven wins from seven events at the Tasmanian championships.
‘‘It’s basically row, eat, work, sleep and that’s it,’’ said Youl who fits rowing around working at a wholesalers and two different bottleshops.
‘‘I’ve had a solid year working towards becoming a much better rower and I was really stoked to get seven out of seven. But there was only one where I was by myself, the other six I needed good crewmates so I’m lucky to be part of a club with such quality rowers.’’
Youl is swift to acknowledge the assistance he receives from coach Ron Woods, Tasmanian Institute of Sport Emerging Talent Squad coach Anthony Edwards and the Tamar teammates who helped him claim the haul of under-21 single and double (with Oli Cook) scull, under-23 quad and four plus the senior quad, four and eight at Lake Barrington.
The former Launceston Church Grammar rower is among a crop of 14 Tamar rowers being guided by Woods who have all made state crews and topped podiums at the weekend.
‘‘We had a very intense pre-season and have been doing a lot of core strength work,’’ Woods explained.
‘‘After nationals last year we only had two weeks off so have been training since April. We only train in single sculls because then you don’t have any passengers and have a better feel for your boat.’’
One of six Tamar rowers in the ETS, Youl said the focus on single sculling had the ironic effect of creating stronger crews.
‘‘Because we are all coached the same way, we all mould together and have the same style across the board.
‘‘Coming out of school where the focus was on the eight, now I’m in a smaller boat where it’s all about boat-run, not stopping at every stroke, racing continuously and being relaxed.
‘‘I’ve learned heaps from Ron. I changed my technique to become faster and better.
‘‘Eddie has also really helped me. The knowledge of a five-time Olympian is bound to be able to help you.’’
Having earned enough money to buy his own single scull, Youl’s focus is on becoming under-21 national champion at Penrith next month and ultimately representing his country.
Edwards said he had been delighted with the success of Woods, Youl and his Tamar clubmates.