Row, Row, Row To An Unforgettable Experience

Hosting the Hong Kong Rowing Youth Team

Written By
Madison Rachel Defries
Individual Programme – Rowing, Secondary 3


The guided tour and lunch with the Hong Kong National Rowing Team were a resounding success. Sixteen student-athletes explored the state-of-the-art facilities at Singapore Sports School—an environment that closely aligns with Hong Kong’s sporting ambitions. With Hong Kong winning its first-ever gold medal in World Rowing last year, they are now building future champions through their youth and national programs. Their visit to Sports School gave them a first-hand look at the boarding system and what a typical day is like for a student-athlete here. Passion and pride filled the air.

As I stood among my fellow HK boat-sharers, I found myself wondering: What made them start rowing? In the middle of a brutal time trial, when their lungs burned and their muscles screamed, had they ever thought about quitting? What kept them pushing forward? And, most importantly, had they ever been absolutely convinced they had discovered a ground-breaking new rowing technique—only to end up face-first in turtle-poop-infested waters before taking a single stroke?

Like my dad, when I tried to teach him how to row.

Keyword: Tried.

Still, it was an incredibly proud moment for me to represent my school, the Singapore Rowing Association, and my country. I had the privilege of introducing my international friends—whom I deeply admire—to our facilities. Before this, when the HK students first arrived, they visited the Singapore Rowing Association, where Coach Jake and Coach Joan, both Olympians, shared expert tips on technique. We laughed, swapped stories, and even had some “friendly” races on the water. (They were only friendly because Coach Jake wisely suggested we not keep score on the boards, that doesn’t stop anyone from internalising the scores.)

Of course, none of this would have been possible without an incredible support system. As Serena Williams once said: "It takes a team. It takes a whole support system. And it’s something that I have learned over the years."

This visit was the result of a team effort from SRA, our coaches, and SSP, and we all put in effort to make sure that the students had an amazing experience here in Singapore. For many HK student-athletes, this was their first-ever international trip, and they were eager to learn—asking countless questions and soaking in every moment. Hopefully in time, when I stop forgetting to close the oar gate and losing my hair ties, there will be a full Rowing academy at Sport School for them to partner with.

I, too, learned a lot from my HK friends. Training with athletes from different backgrounds opened my eyes to new perspectives—things I might have otherwise overlooked. Competing and exchanging experiences with overseas athletes also gives a clear benchmark of where the international competitive level stands. And just as I take pride in my small but mighty nation, our HK visitors walked away feeling the same.

In the end, rowing is more than just a sport—it’s a shared journey of passion, perseverance, and the people who help us push forward. I bid my friends farewell, until we meet again on the waters…