Gay Rowers Jeered at state-sanctioned Regatta

In an unusual display of homophobic behaviour at the Rowing Victoria sanctioned Dimboola Regatta, spectators from a well known Melbourne-based rowing club sledged and jeered a boat from the Melbourne Argonauts Queer Rowing Club. Phrases such as “you have to beat the gays” were allegedly shouted from the shore. In another incident, another Melbourne Argonaut boat was booed by spectators as it crossed the finish line.

Such deportment is unusual in rowing but is evidence of the underlying homophobia that still exists in sport.