Record-breaking year at Junior Brit Champs

With 26 of the 31 existing records broken at the National Water Sports Centre, the first bespoke British Rowing Championships for Juniors was hailed as a great success by the athletes, supporters and organisers alike.

The light north easterly wind and thin cloud cover ensured that the heatwave being suffered in many other parts of the UK over the weekend avoided the East Midlands, thus ensuring great racing conditions with a brisk tailwind.

Crews from across the country medalled and claimed new records in the process, including George Watson’s College, BTC Southampton, Monmouth Comprehensive School and Globe RC. Mediterranean RC from Gibraltar took gold in the open junior coxless pairs, with neighbours Calpe winning bronze in the WJ14 single scull event.

Annamarie Phelps, Chairman of British Rowing, Sarah Winckless, Patron of the Championships and Mike Morrice, President of Scottish Rowing were on hand to present the medals.

It was a happy end to the event for Mike Morrice when he presented the Victor Ludorum trophy to Colin Wallace, coach at Aberdeen Schools RA.

Further information, including full results, can be found at www.britchamps.org.

Maggie Phillips