Sophie Sutherland
Mercantile Rowing Club (VIC)
Sophie is one of the Sutherland twins and hails from Corryong in northern Victoria.
Sophie started rowing at Geelong Grammar with her sister Charlotte in 2007. She loved the sport and has continued ever since with a gap in 2012 due to injury.
2008 – APS Heads of the River Geelong Grammar first crew – First
2008 – National Championships Schoolgirl eight – Fifth
2009 – APS Heads of the River Geelong Grammar first crew – First
2009 – National Championships Schoolgirl eights – Second
2010 – Joined Mercantile and paddled in a variety of crews
2011 – Interstate Championships Women’s Youth Eight four seat – Third
2011 – Youth Cup Victorian team member
2013 – National Championships Under 23 Women’s pair – Second
2013 – National Championships Under 23 Women’s Four – First
2013 – National Championships Under 23 Women’s Eight – First
2013 – Under 23 World Championships Women’s Eight two seat – Fourth
2014 – Interstate Championships Queen’s Cup two seat – First
2015 – National Championships Women’s Pair – First
2015 – National Championships Women’s Four – First
2015 – National Championships Women’s Eight – First
2015 – Interstate Championships Queen’s Cup two seat – First
2015 – World Championships – sweep reserve
Above: Presentation of the Women’s Pair medals and trophy at 2015 National Championships
Obviously 2015 Nationals was a favourite regatta coming home with the winning trifecta of pair, four and eight and then winning her first Queen’s Cup at the Interstate Championships. A superb week for Sophie.
When questioned on some of her most enjoyable races, Sophie recalled the four at the 2015 nationals where they won despite being ranked well below the crew they defeated. Toughest race? Perhaps the 20013 youth eight in tough conditions in Adelaide. Perhaps also the 2009 National Championships schoolgirl eights.
Why rowing? One big team working hard together and seeing the results of the hard work. As with all rowers, she had to mention the amazing thrill of a good crew moving at speed.
Mercs? Like a second home to me being from the country. It is my home in Melbourne.
Andrew Guerin – November 2015