Rory Flynn wins historic John Godfrey Cup in Bendigo

Horsham teenager Rory Flynn has secured the historic John Godfrey Cup after winning the under-15 single scull race at the Kieser Bendigo Sprint Regatta. Flynn, 14, defeated Seamus McDonald of Hamilton and Alexandra College, marking a significant victory for the young rower who only began the sport last year.

The John Godfrey Cup is a historic trophy originally won in 1897 by rowing pioneer John Godfrey. After spending time in New Zealand with his descendants, the cup returned for the Bendigo Rowing Club’s 150th anniversary and has been repurposed as a perpetual trophy for the under-15 category. Flynn is the first recipient since the trophy's return.

The success of local rowers, including a gold medal win by the Horsham men’s C-grade quad scull team at the 2025 state championships, has sparked discussions regarding the potential for the Wimmera River to become a larger destination for rowing training and participation.