Australians at 1980 Henley Royal Regatta
With the Olympic Regatta only two weeks later than Henley, those Olympians chose not to compete at Henley. However, there was a boycott of the 1980 Games by many western countries. Almost every leading rower prevented from competing at the Games, came to race at Henley.
Diamond Challenge Sculls
2nd round
Sydney Rowing Club (NSW) - Edward O Hale
It was a record entry in the Diamonds this year with 37 scullers. Hale, the Olympic sculler, decided that he would still compete at Henley despite the proximity to the Games. He won his first round by 3 1/3 lengths against J Dewan of the Poplar, Blackwall & District Rowing Club. The second round was not so good when Ted came up against finalist Thorsen of Norway who won by 2 3/4 lengths. After a false start by Thorsen, both scullers were level at the Barrier. Thorsen then settled down and sculled away from Hale.
Sources
Henley Regatta Records 1980-84