Rower picks up pace for tilt at Rio

Bunbury rower Alexandra Hagan has been rewarded for a sensational year on the water by being named joint winner of the Railtrain Junior Sports Star award in Perth last month.

Hagan and Esperance-raised rowing pair partner Hannah Vermeesch shared the award after forming part of the Australian team that won gold at World Cup I and silver at World Cup III.

The pair were also part of the Australian Under-23 world championship winning side and are strong contenders for selection to the team travelling to the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in 2016.

Unable to attend the ceremony in person because of training commitments, Hagan was represented by her mother and a cousin.

“I was busy with a time trial in Sydney last week which was a bit of a shame but Hannah is injured so she was there along with my family, ” Hagan said.

“It was an absolute privilege to be named Junior Sports Star along with Hannah.

“It’s good recognition not only for the commitment and training that we’ve put in but also for the fact that we’re now getting some great results.”

Hagan said that she hoped to build on her success next year but that her sights were set firmly on Rio 2016.

“I’m busy with a lot of endurance training and camps at the moment and then I’ve got the NSW State champs in February and nationals in March, ” she said.

“Rio is always in the back of your mind though and the stuff we are doing now we look at as small steps towards getting there.

“Achievements along the way are great but the ultimate goal is Olympic success.”

Hagan and Australind BMX star Lauren Reynolds were also nominated for the prestigious West Australian ANZ WA Sports Star award but lost out to javelin thrower Kimberley Mickle.