Lukas Barnard '23 Recruiting Profile

Before I started rowing, I used to be an avid Rugby player and a multiple South African (Schools and National) Judo Champion. I believe that both sports helped me become a better athlete, but neither has been as demanding, or rewarding, as rowing. The moment I was introduced to Rowing at our Summer camp in U14, I was hooked. 

Rowing has allowed me to become a better teammate, a more determined and gritty rower and has developed my leadership skills. I was recently named Boatman (Vice-Captain) for the Bishops Rowing Club for the next season, and Team Captain for the University of Cape Town's (UCT) Development Squad that toured and competed at SA Nationals in May 2021.

I was chosen for the Bishops 1st VIII as a 14 year old in 2019 to compete in the Annual School's Boat Race for 1st teams. I was also the overall U19 Male winner of the Provincial Ergo Challenge (#ergtocurbcovid) in 2021, placing first in the 500m (1:27.9), 1000m (3:10.3), lowest split in 60sec (1:14.0), and 3rd in the 2000m (6:40.0), racing over a 4 week period. 

Most recently, our 4- UCT crew placed 2nd in the Men's B race at SA Nationals, just beaten (by 5sec) by the University of Pretoria's 4-  crew, with national and international senior rowers. As a crew of 16 year olds - I think this is my best race ever. I also made the A-finals in the Junior Men's U18 2- at SA Nationals, but unfortunately our steering broke and we slipped from 3rd to 7th in the home stretch. This was a huge disappointment at the time, but on reflection, an opportunity to pick myself up and work harder for next season (and in future, I will triple-check any boat's steering before getting onto the water...)

Throughout my school rowing career, I was fortunate to row in a crew that has won at the Western Cape Provincial Championships a few times (4x in 2018, 2019) and we (8x+, 8+, 4x+, 4+, 4-)  have always placed in the Top 5 at SA Schools Championships, though we have not been able to medal yet. 

My rowing dreams are to first make the SA Junior National Squad next season, and row for a University that will push me to become a better rower. I believe that "better breeds better" - especially in rowing, and would like to contribute in any way to creating such a training and competitive environment. I am not scared of working hard to achieve my dreams, and would relish the opportunity to contribute to a University crew that will allow me to become better.