Rowing - The Spark Behind Becky's Remarkable Journey
MEET BECKY PRETORIUS
When Becky Pretorius (Class of 2019) started going to Penrhos College in Year 7 she knew almost nothing about rowing – but the opportunity to give it a go opened a whole new world to her. What began as a new co-curricular activity ignited a spark in her that was going to change her life forever. Through rowing, Becky developed a passion that inspired her to strive harder, dream bigger and push further, both on the water and in the classroom. Her unstoppable drive led her to academic excellence, to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor and to compete for Australia on the world rowing stage.
“Rowing taught me so much. It taught me discipline. It taught me time management and mental toughness. It made me consider my strength as a person and dig deep.”
Becky went on to apply these essential skills during her final years at school.
"Rowing taught me how to handle pressure and stress. When you’re racing, it’s high stakes – like you’re on the world stage, and you get one go at it - and that's it.
Learning how to manage stress, like exam pressure, has been a big part for me that I've learnt really well. I have developed a very clear strategy for how I mentally go through that process."
It’s a strategy Becky has adopted successfully in every aspect of her life. During her time at Penrhos, she recalls the intense lead-up to her exams: “the long hours of study, the amazing support and help from the teachers, and the mental toughness” she leaned on. Becky excelled. She achieved an outstanding ATAR, which opened the door to studying medicine at UWA and pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor.
“I have always known I wanted to work in healthcare. I love being with people and I find doing something bigger than myself, helping people in their most vulnerable times, is the most special way to find meaning and to help anyone through life.”
Becky also values the spirit of teamwork and is very grateful for the skills she honed alongside her squad on the water.
"In rowing, you're not competing by yourself - you're competing as a boat. It has really shaped how I communicate and work as a team. You can't just be an individual. You can't be selfish. You have to think about other people all the time when you are rowing."
Camps, Community and Lifelong Friendships
Looking back, Becky fondly remembers her time at Penrhos, fully embracing both the academic and sporting life of the College. In Year 12, she was thrilled to take on the role of Captain of Boat alongside Jaslyn Sidhu. “We just had the most amazing year,” she recalls. Among her most treasured memories are the unforgettable tours to Laos and Japan, as well as the camaraderie and connection she experienced at rowing regattas and camps.
“The rowing camp was so much fun because of the bonding and friendships we formed. It kind of made us into this little community that everyone knew, like ‘Oh, they're the rowers’. We were all very close – and still are.”
From Penrhos Rowing Captain to representing Australia
“There is nothing like winning.
Rowing is one of the only sports where you’re facing the people that you’re beating, because you're looking backwards. It is very motivating to push harder and when you cross that finish line, it’s the most special feeling – because you get to share it with every girl in the boat.”
Since graduating from Penrhos, Becky has taken her rowing to the next level. She has represented Australia at prestigious international regattas, winning gold in New Zealand with a clean sweep in the four and eight races, gold at the Head of Shanghai River, and two bronze medals at the Under-23 World Rowing World Championships. And she is not stopping there - Becky’s next goal is Olympic selection, following in the footsteps of Penrhos alumni and Olympians Amber Webster (Bradley, Class of 1997), Bec McLaughlin (Sattin, Class of 1998) and Natalie Bale (Class of 2003).
But for Becky, winning is much more than just crossing the finish line first.
A new era for Penrhos rowing
Becky is excited that Penrhos is going to have a new rowing boatshed. She says it’s going to be a real home for the rowing students. She experienced herself the challenges of training out of the old Wesley boys’ shed. The new facility, she says, will finally give the girls a space where they belong.
“Having a beautiful, brand-new boatshed is just amazing. It will give the girls a proper space to store their boats, to train really well and to grow the program. It will allow more girls to row, it will bring the community together and take Penrhos rowing to the next level.”
“I encourage you to help us create this boatshed as a space where girls can grow into the strongest, most courageous versions of themselves.”
A new era for Penrhos rowing! The new Penrhos Boatshed will transform our program, providing a modern, purpose-built facility from which our rowing squad can begin to recapture the successes of our rich rowing legacy. Let’s reclaim our place as a force in girls’ rowing.
Ways to support
There are a number of ways you can support the transformation of rowing at Penrhos College and the construction of a purpose-built boatshed.
Please help us reinstate Penrhos as a force within schoolgirl rowing.
Make a tax-deductible donation to the Penrhos College Boatshed today. For sponsorship or other enquiries, please contact Ra Stewart by telephone 08 9368 9621 or email stewar@penrhos.wa.edu.au.
