Champion Four of Victoria : J Donald (Stroke) Alfred Park Rowing Club : 9 December 1899
Date1899
Object number00027352
NameMedal
MediumSilver plate
DimensionsOverall: 52 x 52 x 5 x 52 mm, 0.1 kg
ClassificationsCoins and medals
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis Victorian Rowing Association medal was awarded to J Donald, stroke of the Victorian Champion Four, 9 December 1899 and member of the Alfred Park Rowing Club. On the reverse a shield is depicted at the centre and is engraved `A.P.R.C. J. Donald str'.HistoryRowing was a popular sport in late 19th and early 20th century Australia. It was considered a recreation worthy of a gentleman as well as being athletic. Amateur scullers and rowers competed for trophies and prize money as part of organised regattas or match races. Local rowing clubs and regatta's proliferated in the Australian colonies, especially in Victoria. 1876 saw the formation of the Victorian Rowing Association when eighteen clubs joined together to manage Victorian rowing affairs through their elected representatives.
Prior to the establishment of an all Australian rowing body in 1925, rowing was managed by state associations. This meant that each state had their own differing rules and regulations. To retain its image as a gentleman's sport, amateurism was strictly maintained and the Victorian Rowing Association banned both those who raced for prize money and those who rowed boats for a living.SignificanceThis medal is significant because Victoria dominated rowing in Australia during the first decades of intercolonial competition.
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