row2k News: Ernestine Bayer, 97, Mother of Women’s Rowing in United States dies in New Hampshire
I spoke with Ernestine Bayer while researching The Book of Rowing. The amazing success story that is women’s rowing is due to her tenacious support and advocacy of the sport. She will be missed.
“Mrs. Bayer was a world leader in introducing women to the sport of rowing. Through her efforts, women’s rowing was added to the summer Olympic schedule. During her life time she earned every award given by the national rowing association: Nominee for the Sullivan Award from rowing, member of the first Women’s rowing Olympic Committee, member of the National Rowing Foundation (NRF) Rowing Hall of Fame, First United States Gold rowing medal, Carlin Award, Coach of the Year, and named one of rowing’s 10 most influential people of the century. She to this day holds the world record on the rowing ergometer for women 90 .”
She was a very inspirational woman and will be missed.
The name of the trophy for the girls junior relay race at our local ergatta is the “Ernestine Bayer Cup.” We named it that in honor of all that she’s done for women’s rowing throughout the years.
I’m proud to say my girls have won it 2 out of the 3 years it has existenced!