1889 Maiden Eights East Sydney Rowing Club J K Lillie No. 3

Maker New South Wales Rowing Association (1878 - 2011)

Date1889

Object number00029035

NameMedal

MediumMetal, silver

DimensionsOverall: 5 x 50 mm, 0.05 kg

ClassificationsCoins and medals

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Leslie Lillie

Terms

DescriptionThis medal was awarded to R C J K Lillie of East Sydney for winning the Maiden Eights in 1889. It depicts a Viking ship with numerous oars and a large rudder.HistoryPrior to the establishment of an all Australian rowing body in 1925, rowing was managed within Australia by state associations. This meant that each state had their own differing rules and regulations. While New South Wales allowed professional sculling and offered cash prizes for races, these practices were not allowed in Victoria. The debate between New South Wales and Victoria in particular over amateur rowers versus professional meant that Intercolonial competition was often prevented. Interstate Championships and representation at the Olympic Games were also managed by state associations prior to 1925. One of the races held at rowing regattas was the maiden eights. They were an eight oared shell race open to all amateur rowers who had not previously won (hence the name 'maiden'). Eight oared shells were rare in Australia in the 1870s as they had to be imported from England. The first eight-oared race in Australia was held in 1875, and in 1879 Ballarat hosted its first maiden eights race. The inaugural race was won by the Barwon Rowing Club.SignificanceThis medal is representative of rowing in Australia in 1889 and the issuing of trophies and awards. Colonial regattas were a popular spectacle of aquatic sport during this period and were one in which Australians achieved international prominence.