On behalf of the Club, the Commodore congratulated Mrs Lene Northwood who had been nominated to receive the Noel Croucher Award 2009 for her truly exceptional contributions to rowing.
The Commodore advised that Miss Lene Hansen arrived in Hong Kong with a strong rowing pedigree from the champion Cambridge Women's Eight of 1997 and a wealth of experiences from many well respected international coaches, including her mentor Harry Mahon. She entered the local rowing scene by being a member of the winning RHKYC women's eight, and the last crew to win an open Hong Kong championship until this year's success, and became a member of the Hong Kong team. In her spare time between training and racing internationally for Hong Kong, Mrs Northwood was active at the Club assisting with learn-to-row courses - something she continued during her entire time at the Club.
After serious injury forced a retirement from international level competition, Mrs Northwood found time to start her family, but never forgot her love for rowing. She continued to help with beginner rowers and has taught many of the Club's current oarsmen. Her own husband's rapid success as an oarsman - from novice to Henley Royal Regatta - is a testament to her coaching abilities.
The Commodore further noted that Mrs Northwood made a return to competitive rowing with record beating performances at the Indoor Rowing Championships and an impressive third place at the 2006 HK Championships behind two national level crews. She became one of the key members of the RHKYC squad for the next two seasons until the old 'war wounds' resurfaced and forced her, kicking and screaming according to her coach, from the boat. Instead of sitting idle at home she took on the role of coaching the Junior Women and assisting with other crews. However, work changes mean that Mrs Northwood is no longer in Hong Kong, and the Commodore invited her husband Mr Mark Northwood to come forward, to receive the Noel Croucher Award on Lene's behalf for her outstanding contribution to the Club.
The Commodore then presented the award to Mr Mark Northwood.