A Proud Mom is Asking for One Final Push to Help Her Son Represent South Africa

Photo Credit: Liane Walsh - Supplied

After watching Julian Walsh dedicate a decade to rowing, his mother, Liane, is hoping the community can help him get to the World Rowing Under-23 Championships in Germany.

Johannesburg, South Africa (23 July 2026) – A decade of dedication has earned one young South African a place on the world stage, and now he needs a little help getting there.

For the past 10 years, Julian Walsh has spent countless early mornings on the water, balancing school, university and elite sport in pursuit of one dream: representing South Africa.

Now, that dream has become a reality, because the 22-year-old mechanical engineering student has been selected to represent Team South Africa in the men’s coxless four at the 2026 World Rowing Under-23 Championships in Duisburg, Germany. He will also compete for Oxford Brookes University at the European University Rowing Championships in Croatia later this year.

Julian first discovered rowing as a 12-year-old at St John’s Preparatory School in Johannesburg. His talent and commitment soon opened doors, earning him rowing scholarships to St Andrew’s College in Makhanda and later Shrewsbury School in England before continuing both his studies and rowing career at Oxford Brookes University.

This season has been his strongest yet, helping Oxford Brookes secure major honours while competing against some of the world’s best university crews.

For Julian’s mother, Liane, watching her son reach this point has been both emotional and incredibly rewarding. She says what many people don’t see are the sacrifices behind the achievements.

Years of early mornings, relentless training sessions, injuries, time away from home and missing out on the ordinary moments of young adulthood have all been part of Julian’s journey.

“He has never asked for shortcuts, only for the opportunity to earn his place.”

That opportunity has now arrived, but there’s one final hurdle.

Like many athletes competing in amateur sports, Julian’s journey to Germany and Croatia is entirely self-funded. Flights, accommodation, race fees, transport and competition costs all need to be covered by the athletes themselves.

Liane says the family has done everything possible to support Julian, but they are now hoping the wider community can help him take the final step.

“As his mom, it is incredibly difficult to watch your child reach the pinnacle of years of hard work and know that finances could become the biggest obstacle.”

Representing South Africa has never been about medals alone. It’s the reward for a decade of discipline and believing that every early morning would one day be worth it.

Those who would like to support Julian’s journey to the World Rowing Under-23 Championships can do so through his crowdfunding campaign here.