My J23 Story - Chasing the Oceania Dream

As winter sets in and the fog rolls across Lake Burley Griffin, the training is only heating up for Fred Kearney. A dedicated member of the John XXIII College community, Fred is currently in the final stretch of preparations for a shot at representing the ACT in the upcoming Oceania Under 22 Rowing Championships.

Training as part of the ACT High Performance Rowing Squad, Fred balances a gruelling schedule of 12 sessions a week, early morning rows, intensive gym sessions, cross-training circuits, and endless kilometres rowing-erg work. The squad is based out of the ACT Academy of Sport rowing shed, where the atmosphere is charged with the quiet determination of young athletes chasing excellence.

The Oceania Championships, scheduled for 24–27 July in Adelaide, bring together the top young rowers from across Australia and New Zealand. State and territory teams of 28 athletes - both men and women - will compete across a fast-paced program of races in singles, pairs, quads, fours, and eights, with a mixed eights finale capping off the regatta. The calibre of competition is high, with the New Zealand North and South Island teams bringing the international flavour.

Selection trials for the ACT squad have been unfolding over the past three weeks, combining performance testing on rowing-erg machines with on-water assessments. It’s a rigorous process, and Fred has remained focused on his goals: to earn a seat in the men’s pair, quad, and eight - ambitious but achievable for an athlete of his calibre and commitment.

We’ll be cheering Fred as the selection date of July 4th approaches. Whatever the outcome, we’re proud to support him on his journey.

Best of luck, Fred. Your college community is behind you all the way.