13 November 2018
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Sanita Puspure has been presented with a Cork Person of the Month Award marking her achievement in the World Rowing Championship. Gold medallist and Ballincollig resident Sanita recently blitzed the opposition at the world single sculls final in Bulgaria.
Overcoming a host of obstacles to achieve her gold medal, Sanita was glad that all the hard work paid off at the recent world championship. “We had lots of training to do, lots of training camps and lots of time away from the family.”
Ahead of her race, the Latvian-born gold medallist took inspiration from gold medallists Gary and Paul O’Donovan. “I found it very emotional seeing the boys win the gold. I wanted the anthem to playing for me as well, so I can’t believe it’s actually happened.”
The Rowing Ireland team exceeded all expectations at the recent world championship, with Sanita Puspure and the O’Donovan brothers achieving gold medals, and Emily Hegarty and Aifric Keogh finishing sixth in their race. Rowing Ireland CEO, Michelle Carpenter was thrilled with recent results. “It is a very proud time to be part of Irish rowing. I hope every single club and organisation that are involved with us and are part of us will celebrate these recent great successes.”
“Sanita is one to watch at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Her drive and determination is incredible, and she has greatly contributed to Ireland’s standing in the world rowing scene. Here in Cork, we are so excited to see what lies ahead for Sanita, and we are looking forward to supporting her on every step of the journey,” said awards organiser Manus O’Callaghan.
