Official rowing programme of the IXth Olympiad, Amsterdam
Date1928
Object numberANMS0356[055]
NameProgram
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsDisplay Dimensions: 207 x 128 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Patsy Webb
DescriptionOfficial rowing programme of the IXth Olympiad, Amsterdam. The text is in French and the information contained within includes officials, rowers and inscriptions, general information and programme of events.
Henry Robert "Bobby" Pearce was Australia's only rowing representative at these Games, and ultimately the only Australian gold medal winner.History"The 1927 Australian Amateur Rowing Council meeting resolved that in view "of the great expense and tremendous handicap an Australian eight oared crew is under by reason of the long journey involved in travelling to the Olympic Games as compared with other countries which compete, it is not considered advisable for the Commonwealth to be represented at the next Olympic Games by an eight oared crew. Further that all efforts be concentrated on preparing and sending a sculler to represent Australia provided a man of sufficiently high standard is forthcoming".
[http://www.rowinghistory-aus.info]
The sculler chosen in this instance was Henry Pearce who had already proven himself by winning the Australian amateur national sculling championships in 1927 and 1928. Pearce competed again in the 1932 Olympic Games, also winning the gold medal.SignificanceHenry Pearce as the only rower was also given the honour of being the Australian team's flag bearer in 1928. This was a good decision as he was the only gold medallist from Australia in any sport at these Games.
