Life in the western suburbs suits Charlotte Morris.
The talented 16-year-old moved to Maribyrnong at the start of the year from Euroa with the goal of taking her rowing career to the next level.
Since then, Morris has made a splash in her new surroundings.
The now Brooklyn resident captured three gold medals and one silver medal in the under-16 division at the Victorian Open State Championships in Ballarat last month.
She backed that performance up with another gold medal, this time in the single sculls event at the School Sport Victoria regatta.
“Originally I started rowing after doing a program at my old school,” Morris said.
“I started taking it a bit more seriously after my first couple of races. I was doing quite well and really started to enjoy it.
“Moving down to Melbourne was quite challenging. It was really hard at first, going through such a drastic change, but I am slowly settling into it.”
Morris is a student at Maribyrnong College where she is enrolled in the school’s specialised sports program.
She said the school had been great in helping her adjust to her busy commitments which, in the lead-up to a major event, can include early morning water sessions, multiple strength and conditioning sessions and other training.
“It is quite challenging to balance it all, but the school is great about it,” she said.
“They are very flexible. You’re with a lot of other like-minded people who know what they need to focus on.”
Morris’ other impressive achievements include qualifying in the under-17 division for the national rowing championships in Sydney.
Her long-term goal is to make an Australian team for a major competition.
For her outstanding sports achievements, Morris has been named as a monthly nominee for the Don Deeble Rising Star Award.
The award is run by the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club in conjunction with Star Weekly.
Morris received $1000 donated by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club and other prizes to assist in her future sporting goals.
The Don Deeble Rising Star Award recognises young athletes in the western suburbs who have achieved outstanding results at a state and national level.
To nominate someone for the Don Deeble Rising Star Award, email ltwomey@starweekly.com.au
