CHAMPION Wanganui rower Philippa Baker-Hogan is coming out of retirement to race the Aon Billy Webb challenge later this month. And she hopes putting her hand up will encourage others to enter the race.
Baker-Hogan retired in 1996 after winning two world double sculls titles in the early 90s and competing in two Olympic Games. She made a brief return to the competitive scene in 2009 for the World Masters in Sydney but this month's race will be her first since then.
"It's good. You feel like you know how to move a boat still. It's not until you get on the rowing machine and you see what strength you haven't got. It's been quite hard on the body."
She's been training for the past two weeks to be ready for the November 30 event and just hoped she could stay in the boat and get to the finish line.
"I'm trying to encourage others to get out there."