The "Melbourne Cup on Water" - The Row to the Henley Royal Regatta - Episode 36

In this episode of Mercantile Radio, we sit down with Mercantile’s rising young rowers - Gabi Price, Georgie “G” Campbell, and Jake Polkinghorne - ahead of their international campaign. Drawn from Mercs’ youth, U21/U23 and senior squads, the group will race at the Holland Beker before taking on the Henley Royal Regatta.The trio unpack the realities of Scott Rowe’s brutal training program, the technical changes being refined under Annabelle Eaton, and the mentors who shaped their rowing journeys. The conversation also explores the mental side of elite sport — handling pain, adapting within a crew, and why saying your goals out loud matters.Who are Jake, Gabi and Georgia?Jake PolkinghorneSt Pat’s College Ballarat (Rowed 1st IV in 2021, 2nd at Head of the Lake, won Schoolboy 4+ at Nationals).The Journey: After a year away from rowing, Jake joined Mercantile in 2022/23, earning selection in the Victoria U21 8+ and making his Henley debut in the Britannia Coxed Four. Now in his first Senior A season, he has transitioned into sculling as his primary discipline.The Campaign: Sitting in the pivotal 7-seat of the Men's Thames 8 as the oldest athlete on board.Gabi PriceBackground: Carey Grammar (Class of 2024).The Journey: Now in her second season at Mercantile, Gabi stroked the club to victory in both the U21 W4+ and U21 W8+ at the 2026 Nationals after a gruelling winter block. Alongside Lucy Gillon and Eloise Adem (“The 3 Amigos”), she also helped guide the U21 women through a turbulent coaching period before stabilising under Rhett Spiller.The Campaign: Bringing her championship-winning rhythm to the Women's Wargrave 8.Georgia “G” CampbellBackground: Originally from Brisbane; two-time 1st VIII rower at St Margaret’s (winning her Head of the River).The Journey: Georgia rowed under Scott Rowe at Kand Rowing Club before following him to Melbourne to pursue sculling after her pair partner’s season-ending injury. She narrowly missed U23 World Championship selection and recently debuted for Queensland in the Queen’s Cup, finishing 2nd.The Campaign: Traded the single for a seat in the highly competitive Women's Wargrave 8. Why Is This Conversation Important?Taking opportunities to develop each athletes learning outside Australia is a vital component of the Mercantile Rowing Program. Preparing for and racing at the Henley Royal Regatta or the Head of the Charles, provides these important development pathways. Our young athletes take us on this journey.Key Insights From the EpisodeSay it out loud: Keeping ambitions to yourself feels safe, but naming your goals out loud allows others to help you get there; and holds you accountable when motivation dips.Know your "why": Purpose is what gets you out of bed for freezing Melbourne winter mornings. Often, you keep pushing simply because you promised your teammates you would.Confidence is coachable: Self-belief isn't just for Olympians. Gabi credits coach Jim Portus with building her confidence through deliberate pre-race rituals and constant reconnection to her goals.The power of the club shed: The elite pathway stays visible because of the Mercantile community. Senior athletes returning to the shed, older girls raising the standards, and the collective energy around group erg sessions make the brutal work genuinely enjoyable.The Campaign at a Glance & How to SupportThe crews depart Australia in mid-June. They will kick off their campaign at the Holland Beker (20–21 June) on the Bosbaan, racing an eight and two straight fours, before heading to the UK for Henley, under the guidance of women's coach Annabelle Eaton and Scott Rowe.How to help them get there: The athletes are fundraising to cover travel, equipment, and accommodation expenses. All donations are fully tax-deductible via the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF).Donate Here: https://asf.org.au/campaigns/mercantile-rowing-club/2026-mercantilerc-henley-campaign