WHEN one thinks of Israel, rowing is probably one of the last things that springs to mind.
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For lone Israeli competitor Daniel Rutenberg, however, rowing is his life.
A FISA masters commission member, Rutenberg was the only Israeli rower in action on the waters of Lake Wendouree during the week, competing in the category E single sculls on Friday.
He finished fourth in the race, but was not perturbed in any
way about his performance.
“For me it’s about competing and having fun,” Rutenberg said.
“I probably refer to myself more as a
participant than a competitor.
“Frankly, if it wasn’t for my role as commissioner I probably would not have come.”
Regardless of his race result, the Tel Aviv Rowing Club member said it was important he flew the
Israeli flag.
“A few weeks ago I was umpiring the students world championships and I was very disappointed there was no rower from Israel and I could not see the flag of Israel,” he said.
“For me, it was important to represent Israel. It is a small sport in Israel, all the time we have between three and six rowing clubs, but it is growing.”
With a life that revolves around rowing, Rutenberg will jet back to Israel on Monday morning before heading to Boston and Italy for regattas.
“Rowing gives people an opportunity to meet people from other cultures and different countries from all over the world and make friends.”