Youth Olympics next big test for Rotorua's Pope

Even in the midst of preliminary high school exams - Ellen Pope has something to smile about.

The Rotorua rower is over the moon after being selected to represent New Zealand at next year's Australian Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney, but has to restrain her excitement because of school exams.

"My trials on the erg [rowing machine] and racing on the water went really well and I felt really confident, so to hear the news was really good," she said.

"But I can't really celebrate at the moment because I'm studying for exams."

The modest Lakes High seventh former will join eight other young New Zealand rowers to compete on the 2km Olympic course at the Sydney International Regatta Centre on January 20 and 22.

At this stage it is expected she will row in the eights, quad sculls and the women's lightweight double scull events.

Under the tutelage of coach Peter Rae, Pope is in her fourth season of rowing and already has clocked up an impressive resume - having represented the North Island and the Bay of Plenty in numerous regattas.

Pope and Rotorua Rowing Club-mate Elizabeth Travis were part of last weekend's successful Bay of Plenty team that won the women's under-21 Interprovincial Rowing Championships after excelling in the eights, fours and pairs events.

Earlier this year she played an instrumental role in her school's successful medal haul at the prestigious Maardi Cup.

Despite the early morning training sessions, the 175cm rower told the Daily Post she loves the sport.

"I like the competition I guess and it's the first sport I was really good. In fact when I think about it, there's not much I don't like about rowing."

Rae said her enthusiasm and dedication to the sport is outstanding.

"Ellen's extremely driven and determined and doesn't like being beaten," he said.

"She has a great future ahead of her if she keeps at this level and develops her strength - she is capable of making the Olympics.

"She showed that she has the physical and mental ability to compete at trials at a New Zealand level and that's very exciting."

Inspired by Olympian Sonia Waddell, Pope is aiming for a big future in the sport and would like to compete in the under-23 lightweight singles sculls at the World Champs in a few years.

"While I enjoy rowing in an eight - as it's such fun - I do enjoy sculling and I think that's where I see myself in the long term. Of course the Olympics are the ultimate goal, but it's one step at a time."

Rotorua Rowing Club's Wayne Mansell said Pope's selection was an "absolute coup" for the club. He said it was a culmination of hard work and perserverance by Pope and Rae, but also reflected the growing strength and commitment of local rowers.