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More than 1,800 athletes, representing 133 clubs from 106 cities, competed at the USRowing Youth National Championship last month in Sacramento, Calif., and two local boys came out on top.

Collin McKinney and Robert Bolt of White Rock Rowing won the men’s varsity pair race, becoming the fastest high school rowing duo in the country. Both are seniors, McKinney at Hillcrest High School and Bolt at Woodrow Wilson High School.

“Collin and Robert have been the heart and soul of the men’s squad,” said Alex Binkowski, director of White Rock Rowing, in a press release. “They have led the team in everything — rowing, erg scores, attendance, attitude, and work ethic. The pair is one of the more difficult boats to race, requiring great skill and cooperation. They have definitely earned their title.”

During the race, the boys held their lead for nearly 1,500 meters and sprinted to the finish line with 250 meters to go, securing White Rock Rowing’s first national title.

Collin McKinney and Robert Bolt with Alex Binkowski, director of White Rock Rowing

Collin McKinney and Robert Bolt with Alex Binkowski, director of White Rock Rowing