\u201cRowing categories and races are divided by age, category A is from 27 to 34, B from 35 to 41, C from 42 to 49, D from 50 to 55 and so on, as it is worked out in five year intervals,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI raced in the C and D singles, C and D doubles and in the mixed doubles categories.<\/p>
\u201cI won the C and D singles and D doubles.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bakker also said that rowers are allowed to compete in younger age categories.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you feel you are fit enough to race with the youngsters, you are allowed to do so, which is why I raced in the C category, though my age is in the D category,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the D doubles I was partnered with Michael Weber, from Germany.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe made a good team and conquered all the challenges to place first.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Lambton resident is pleased with his C singles results.<\/p>\n
\u201cI won the races, but what makes me even happier is that I had the fastest time – three minutes and 33.01 seconds – in the C singles category,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was absolutely amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Victoria Lake Rowing Club member has always loved rowing.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs an adult I have been rowing for 10 years,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI used to do it while I was at school, then I stopped, but it has always been on my mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cYears later I decided to go back to rowing again and I haven\u2019t looked back since.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had picked up a bit of weight, but that didn\u2019t stop me from giving this sport my all, and it is paying off.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bakker has taken part in other races previously but none can compare to his recent achievement.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have taken part in previous regattas over the years and scooped a few medals along the way, but this year it was special and different,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI trained really hard, there was a time I was training eight times a week, I was training like a demon for eight months prior to the regatta.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome stages I would even do gym and water training in one session.<\/p>\n
\u201cI even had a strength training programme that was given to me by Kate-Lyn Boshoff who is a biokinetist based at UJ.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt helped me a lot and resulted in the three gold medals.\u201d<\/p>\n
The local rower said he would like to see more youngsters join the sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want more youngsters to dominate this sport; it requires strength, skill and endurance among other things,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have people who are in their 70s and 80s and racing with us.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt helps you stay fit and healthy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bakker said he hopes to attend the World Masters Games, that will be held in New Zealand, next year.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dwu32cgxelq1c.cloudfront.net\/local_newspapers\/sites\/31\/2016\/09\/38GCNSPORSTROWIPS1_26577-270x203.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
You might also be interested in:<\/p>\n
Paddlers take to the water<\/a><\/p>\n Local paddlers are training hard for upcoming canoe marathon<\/a><\/p>\n