In Tennyson, on the banks of the Brisbane River, sits a small rowing club with big dreams and even bigger achievements. KAND Rowing Club, despite its modest size, has produced world-class athletes, none more prominent than Logan Ullrich, who recently clinched a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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Ullrich’s journey to Olympic glory began in 2013 when he first picked up an oar at Brisbane Grammar School and KAND Rowing Club. A former rugby player, Ullrich quickly found his stride on the water. His talent was evident early on, securing a bronze medal in the Coxed Four at the 2018 Junior World Championships.
The young rower’s prowess earned him a scholarship to the University of Washington, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Food Systems, Nutrition & Health.
Ullrich’s international career continued to flourish, representing New Zealand at the U23 World Championships in 2022 and winning silver in the Men’s Four. The following year, he added a bronze medal to his collection at the senior World Championships in Serbia.
Paris 2024 marked Ullrich’s Olympic debut, where he and his teammates crossed the finish line with a time of 05:49.88, securing a silver medal for New Zealand. This achievement has brought immense pride to KAND Rowing Club and its founder, Dr Kelly Armitage.
Dr Armitage expressed that Ullrich’s success exemplifies the talent nurtured at their club. He noted the unexpected nature of their achievements, given the club’s small size compared to countries with much larger rowing budgets.
About the KAND Rowing Club
KAND Rowing Club, now in its 20th year, is more than just a training ground for elite athletes. Founded in 2006 by Dr Kelly Armitage and Neville Doughan, the club embodies a vision of rowing that balances enjoyment with competitive success. Operating largely on volunteer efforts, KAND has become a nurturing environment for aspiring rowers.
With an eye on the future, particularly the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, Dr Armitage and his wife are planning to meet with Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. Their goal is to propose an upgrade for the club, potentially transforming it into an Olympic training venue for the upcoming Games.
Dr Armitage explained their intention to showcase the club as the premier venue in town, with potential to serve as a training centre for various countries, including Australia. He emphasised that developing this facility would benefit both athletes and the broader community.
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As KAND Rowing Club continues to grow, Dr. Armitage hopes that accomplishments like Ullrich’s Olympic silver medal will help foster a robust rowing culture in Queensland. With each stroke, KAND is proving that big dreams can indeed come from small clubs, one rower at a time.
Published 15-August-2024
