Legendary Regatta Rower Dennis Thornton Officially Retires

Taking to social media, Denzel Thornton penned a message of appreciation to mark his father’s retirement from regatta.

Dennis Thornton is considered a legendary figure in the local regatta scene, having won countless honours but never boasted or sought attention for his achievements.

‘He has been the most dominant rower in Regatta history, winning more than 60 first-place palji despite losing two Regattas during the COVID years. He holds the record for the longest period of winning in the B2 category and, at the age of 50, was still competing at the highest level while continuing to claim first-place palji’, wrote his son.

‘Wherever he went, he won. He brought the Shield to every district he represented: Bormla, Marsa, Msida and Isla, with the only exception being Birgu.’

‘These are not just the words of a proud son. They are the words I have heard time and time again from people who love the Regatta and who followed your career from beginning to end.’

‘Statistics alone do not define you. Dennis Thornton is who he is because he transformed the sport and helped it evolve over the years. People used to say, "Where Thornton goes, the Shield follows," and that says everything about the competitor you were.’

‘You also changed the way rowers trained on land. You set the standard and became the example that anyone hoping to succeed in the Regatta looked up to and tried to follow. Every rower of your generation and those who came after grew up seeing you as their idol.’

Denzel thanked his dad for filling his childhood with pride and memories, and for continuing to be there for him in every aspect of life.

‘Those who love you, and perhaps even those who do not, understand that rivalry is part of sport. But there is one thing nobody can deny. They all take their hat off to you and respect you, not only as one of the greatest rowers the Regatta has ever seen, but above all as the person you are.’

#MaltaDaily