Receiving their South African National Colours’ blazers was a testament to the dedication and talent of St Andrew’s School for Girls’ rowers, Kristyn Xavier (Grade 11) and Amber Potgieter (Grade 11), who proudly received their Junior National Colours for Rowing SA, and they are set to compete in Canada at the World Junior Rowing Championships.
St Andrew’s Old Girl, Kirsten Macdonald (McCann, Matric 2006), a multiple Olympian and World Champion, inspired all the rowers as a guest speaker at the awards’ ceremony. Kirsten is also the first SA female World Rowing Championships gold medallist!
We are also incredibly proud of our Old Girls, Nadia Gaspari (Matric 2018) and Courtney Westley (Matric 2020) who also earned their National Colours. Nadia is currently in the Netherlands, representing South Africa and her university in the FISU World University Championships for Rowing. Courtney, as well as another Old Girl, Paige Badenhorst (Matric 2016), have both qualified to represent South Africa in the Women’s Single Scull at the Paris 2024 Olympics! We are very proud of our Old Girls’ incredible rowing journeys and will loudly cheer them on as they compete on the world stage.
Being at an all-girls’ school, and having female role models of this calibre, is crucial to inspiring young women to pursue their dreams in all fields. Thank you to the amazing coaches and parents who have over the years supported our rowers in their quest to reach their best potential!
Report compiled by Caterina Cannone
Head of Marketing and Admissions | St Andrew’s School for Girls
