It is the first time an all-Black African team will take part at the Head of the Charles Regatta, the largest three-day event in the world.

Boston

Four South African rowers are participating in the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, marking the first time an all-black African team has competed in this prestigious event. The team, consisting of Luwazi, Labone Mokusen, Tsepikle Leshilu, and Sheldon Krishnasamy, is competing against some of the world's top rowers, including those from leading US universities.

Their appearance is seen as a milestone in expanding access to rowing, a sport traditionally dominated by white athletes. The team hopes their participation will inspire younger generations in South Africa to pursue rowing and broaden their horizons.

South African rowing team to makes history in Boston regatta

Four South African rowers are making history this weekend when they pull their oars in the Charles River in Boston in the United States. It's the first time an all-black African team will take part in the Head of the Charles Regatta, the largest three-day event in the world. I was very surprised to find out that we were the first South African minority crew to come compete at the Head of the Charles Regatta. And in terms of minority cruisers as a whole, to be one of the first and few, it feels like we're making history. For me, it's life-changing, it's surreal. Luwazi, together with his teammates Labone Mokusen, Tsepikle Leshilu and Sheldon Krishnasamy will be competing against some of the best rowers in the world, including from prestigious US universities. By being here, we're allowing our peers, younger generations, to see what they can achieve and where they can travel. And I think it's incredibly important for individuals to have people they can look up to, which they haven't necessarily had previously. Their participation marks an effort to expand access to one of the world's most elite and exclusive sports, dominated by white athletes. The president of Western Cape Rowing says the team was assembled on merit and are not there just to look good in the pictures. It's a lot to bear, being seen as a role model for a lot of young kids, because I still feel like I've got so much that's not correct about me that I haven't fixed. But looking at it holistically, I'm so honoured and blessed to be in this position, where I can be seen as a guiding light, as a beacon to show that there is more out there. You're not limited to the space that's around you, you're not limited to the classroom that you're in or the shoes that you wear. The crew hopes their participation in the 4.7 kilometre regatta will inspire the next generation of South African rowers.

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