Veteran Bendigo rower Denis Nihill will test himself against the world's best at next month's FISA 2019 World Rowing Masters Regatta at Lake Velence, Hungary.
The international regatta attracts many former world and Olympic title holders competing in age brackets from under-30 through to 85-and-over.
Nihill, 78, has gained selection in composite crews alongside athletes from Britain, Italy, Latvia, Germany, Russia, Canada and the United States.
"The rowing at world masters regattas is of a high calibre and the competition is red hot across all age brackets,'' he said.
"I feel fit and confident, but I know I am competing against rowers who are elite in their class. It is thrilling to compete alongside top ranked athletes from some of the most famous rowing clubs in the world. You make many long lasting friendships with people who also share a deep love for rowing".
Nihill is no stranger to competing against the world's best rowing masters having competed in nine previous FISA World Rowing Masters Regattas since 1997.
A highlight for Nihill was guiding a Bendigo Rowing Club quad to victory in the 2014 FISA World Rowing Masters Regatta at Ballarat's Lake Wendouree.
Lake Velence is one of Europe's premier rowing courses and previously hosted the World Masters Rowing World Championship in 1996.
The 2019 FISA World Rowing Masters Regatta attracts athletes from over 730 rowing clubs participating in 45,000 individual race entries.
According to Bendigo Rowing Club president Cathleen Farrelly, Nihill's participation in this year's World Rowing Masters Regatta will be closely followed by Bendigo Rowing Club members.
"Denis is fit, strong and has a flawless rowing technique. He will be very competitive in his division,'' she said.
"We are thrilled that the Bendigo Rowing Club will be represented at the pinnacle event for international masters rowing.
"Rowing is a non-contact sport which people can participate in at any age, including older people.
"Denis is a fine ambassador for Bendigo masters rowing."
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