Gowler picked for elite squad

Aramoho Wanganui Rowing Club's prospect Kerri Gowler has joined the top echelon with her selection in the New Zealand elite squad as part of the women's eight.

Shifting her focus from Blenheim to Lake Karapiro, Gowler joins the elite names of the sport in a strong women's contingent under coach Dick Tonks.

Seven women's boats will be part of the first 2013 World Rowing Cup regatta in Sydney, which runs from March 22-24.

Also flying the Wanganui colours are London Olympic bronze medallist Rebecca Scown, with new crewmate Kayla Pratt in the women's pair, with Pratt replacing the retired Juliette Haigh.

Formerly of the Aramaho club and now with Waikato RC, Sarah Gray is in the quad team.

The team was notable for the shock omission of London gold medallist Joseph Sullivan, while his partner Nathan Cohen was selected in the men's quad sculls boat.

Other gold medallists like Mahe Drysdale and the coxless pair Hamish Bond and Eric Murray are opting not to compete in Sydney, with their focus being the world championships in South Korea at the end of August.

But for 19-year-old Gowler, her main aim is cementing her spot in the eight during the World Rowing Cup in Sydney, then the former Olympic site at Eton Dorney from June 21-23, followed by Lucerne, Switzerland on July 12-14.

Her elevation comes on the back of an outstanding 2012 highlighted by winning three gold medals with the New Zealand Under-21 squad at the Youth Cup in Sydney.

A former Nga Tawa rower, Gowler had been determined to do well when trialling for the New Zealand Under 23 team.