Hi, I’m Melody Yin, a Year 12 student at Queenwood, and I’m incredibly honoured to have been selected as the coxswain for the Under 19 Junior Women’s VIII to represent Australia at the 2025 World Rowing Championships in Trakai, Lithuania (6–10 August).

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — and it’s especially exciting to be part of the first-ever NSW-dominant Junior Women’s VIII! Our crew includes seven rowers from NSW and two from South Australia: Floss Hennessy, Maddie Swain, Tamara Bates, Grace Barrera, Chelsea Baker, Mika Naito, Millie Cullinane, and Zahra Taylor. I'm proud to be leading such an incredible group of young women as we take on the world stage.

See the official team announcement: https://rowingaustralia.com.au/latest_news/australias-top-junior-rowers-ready-to-take-on-the-world

Full U19 team list: https://rowingaustralia.com.au/under-19

We’ve already begun our training campaign in Sydney — training six days a week, often twice a day, while juggling school and study. In July, we’ll be heading to Europe for a three-week training camp at the AIS European Training Centre in Italy before competing in Lithuania.

While I’m so excited for what’s ahead, this journey comes with a significant financial commitment. I’m aiming to raise $9,000 to help cover seat fees, travel, accommodation, equipment, and medical requirements.

Donations over $2 are tax-deductible and any amount — big or small — would mean the world to me. Even just sharing this page helps get me closer to the start line.

Thank you so much for your support as I chase my dream of representing Australia as a coxswain on the world stage!

Follow our journey on Instagram: @ausjnrw8

With gratitude,

Melody Yin