ATHLETES who competed on Lake Wendouree during the 1956 Olympic Games will return to the home of some of their fondest memories next month.
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The World Rowing Masters Regatta is set to draw competitors from across the globe to Ballarat, including some of those who raced on the lake’s waters almost 60 years ago.
“There will probably be 10 to 12 rowers from the 1956 Olympics rowing,” regatta media co-ordinator Jamie McDonald, who is captain of Ballarat City Rowing Club, said.
“They are going to do a row-past on two boats that are made up from Olympians from that era.
“These guys are all in their 80s now.”
Presentations to the rowers from the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Rowing Regatta – in which 27 nations competed – are also planned.
McDonald said there were 1172 entries for the masters championships, which start on October 9 and run through until October 12.
There are a host of Olympians entered for races across the four days, including multiple gold medallist James Tomkins, Barcelona champion Peter Antonie, Ballarat-born Rachael Taylor – who claimed silver at Sydney in 2000 – and Los Angeles silver medallist Gary Gullock.
McDonald said there would be rowers from 30 countries taking part in the titles, which were held in Varese, Italy, last year.
