SEVEN years after beginning their rowing careers together in a Launceston Church Grammar School quad, Oli Cook and Henry Youl became individual national champions on the same day.
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The 19-year-old Tamar clubmates were celebrating together at the national titles in Sydney yesterday when Cook claimed the under-23 lightweight single sculls shortly after Youl had won the under-21 single sculls.
The victory was particularly sweet for Cook after missing gold in the same event last year by just 0.4 of a second.
‘‘Having got silver last year I really wanted to win this year and have a real sense of achievement,’’ he said.
‘‘I knew I had a fast finish so I wasn’t too worried as the race progressed.’’
Sitting fourth at the midway point, Cook surged into the lead by 1500 metres and held on to beat Sean Murphy of NSW with fellow Tasmanian Toby Pitt (Huon) collecting bronze.
Racing up an age for the second year running, Cook is coached by Tasmanian Institute of Sport coach Anthony Edwards and said the five-time Olympian is a useful benchmark to aspire to.
‘‘At my age he had a gold and a silver so I’m pleased to be up with him. Now I’ve just got to go to an Olympics at 22 and see how I go for the next 20 years to try and stay on par with him.’’
Youl said he was ‘‘absolutely stoked’’ to win by a length and half from Sydney Uni’s Jacob Bignell.
‘‘It’s been a long season but all those early mornings have paid off,’’ he said.
‘‘I had a brilliant start, just kept chipping away and stuck to my race plan. I could see what the others were doing and just felt really comfortable. I could not have asked for a better race.’’
Youl, whose victory earns him an invitation to national selection trials, added: ‘‘This has been my goal all year and I’m overwhelmed.’’
He rowed the race in Hawthorn socks much to the annoyance of his Geelong-supporting coach Ron Woods.
Woods and Edwards were equally pleased with their charges.
‘‘It’s been an absolutely fantastic day — very satisfying for the athletes, clubs and us coaches to see fantastic results across the board,’’ Edwards said.
‘‘Oli had a great win in a tough race. He had to fight really hard which showed his character.
‘‘Henry rowed a brilliant race. He led all the way and was very composed for a young lad. He’s a great kid and the national trials will be an exciting opportunity for him.’’