A stunning performance from Susan Kemp has capped off a big week for the Newcastle Rowing Club (NRC).

The 72-year-old captured bronze “online” at the 2022 World Rowing Indoor Championships, in Hamburg, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Kemp, contesting the 70-74 age category, completed the 2000m race in a time of 8:48.0.

Not to be outdone, her husband Peter held off a strong challenge at the ungodly hour of 2am to snare fourth after registering 7:14.10 in the 65-69 years’ masters’ section.

And, all from the comfort of their Newcastle home.

It was a terrific result for the Kemps, who qualified to represent Oceania and the NRC at the fully-virtual event across 66 countries.

All competitors logged into a system and could witness the progress of others in the race categories.

“2000m is a gruelling distance on the rowing machine and somewhat intensified at 2am,” Peter said.

“But, I was happy to achieve a PB (personal best).”

It’s a similar story for Susan.

“I was actually thrilled to be racing ‘live’ against women across the world,” she said.

“It is so inspiring to see other masters racing, including a 93-year-old in Wales.”

Earlier, Newcastle Rowing Club’s youngest rower was busy winning medals on the Clarence River at the Combined High Schools Regatta in Grafton.

Asha Olsen took out gold in both the women’s under-16 single scull and then the championship women’s double, with school mate and fellow NRC member Macushla Keats.

Olsen was also awarded the best junior rower at the event.

“We usually take several local high school students, who are members of our club, to compete at the regatta,” president John McLeod OAM said.

“We are very proud of all of their achievements.

“There are few sports that allow such a range in age of competitors and there are opportunities for different age groups to row together at local regattas.”

McLeod, who is heading into his 24th year as president, said he was delighted to see the continuation of exceptional feats by the small organisation and its members.

“We have had a big week, with outstanding results both on and off the water,” he stated.

“We’ve also been nominated as the NSW finalist for the Club of the Year awarded by Rowing Australia, with the announcement due 11 March.

“So, now, we are all eagerly waiting to see if we take the top spot.”

Newcastle Rowing Club is a not-for-profit organisation situated on Throsby Creek at Carrington and provides recreational and competitive rowing for more than 120 members.

NRC was re-established in 1992 but boasts a long history spanning in excess of four eras, starting in 1870.

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