Four medals won on the first day of finals of the U23 World Rowing Championships

Great Britain won two gold and two silver medals on day three of racing in Duisburg, Germany

Seven British boats were in action across the first day of finals at the U23 World Rowing Championships. With five crews racing in A Finals, Great Britain won two gold and two silver medals as the weekend racing kicked-off in resounding fashion.

The Men’s Four of Ben Mead, Tristan Wenger, Cameron Tasker, and Marcus Chute struck gold after a sublime performance in their A Final. Despite the Australian quartet leading at 500m and halfway, the Brits hit the front as they kicked on early in the third 500m. The final 600m oozed class and confidence as they continued to walk away from Australia, the United States of America, and the People’s Republic of China.

“I’ve never felt better,” said Tasker, in conversation with World Rowing.

“Such an awesome way to end the season, an awesome way to bring back the first gold for GB.”

“We were expecting a pretty fast start, especially from the Aussies; we saw yesterday they were with the Chileans and we kind of struggled with the Chileans in the first 250. We really knew it was all about our race pace,” added Wenger.

Credit: Benedict Tufnell

The Men’s Quad delivered a masterful performance, winning gold for the first time in this event since 2019. Reading University Boat Club’s Matt Long was first across the line as the crew timed their moves to perfection. The crew, which included Josh Matthews, Elliott Donovan-Davies, and Nat Gauden, were third at 500m, second by halfway, and just after 1500m, the crew snatched the lead from Poland and never looked back. As Poland faded, Germany surged into second place, but no one would catch the British as they crossed the line champions of the world.

“It’s been a three-year project for all of the boys. We’ve either been in the quad or the double. It’s good to get back on the board for the GB sculling team,” said Donovan-Davies with World Rowing.

In the Women’s Four, it was a great start for Amelia Gleed, Acorn Cassidy, Ellie-Kate Hutchinson, and Rhiannon Luke, giving them a narrow lead at 500m. However, the USA kept chipping away, and by halfway, their bow ball was fractionally ahead. The Americans moved out to half a length’s lead, but the Brits never backed off, launching one last attack in the closing stages, reducing the gap to just a canvas as they crossed the finish line, winning a fantastic silver medal. Spain were third, their first-ever medal in the Women’s Four.

Credit: Benedict Tufnell

Lara Grant, Grace Dawson, and Zara Povey won silver in the Women’s Quad on their debuts for Great Britain. For Liv Cheesmur, it’s another U23 medal, adding to the gold she won in this boat class last year. The Brits had a terrific start, as their bows cruised through the first quarter in the lead. The USA put together an exceptional middle section of the race, which saw them move into a clear water advantage. The British solidified their silver medal position, fending off last-minute attacks coming from the Italians, crossing the line second in the world.

Credit: Benedict Tufnell

Following a strong regatta right from their first strokes, the Men’s Pair finished fifth overall in the A Final. With just four seconds separating second and fifth at the finish, Tom Griffin and Isaac Thurnham were involved in a high-quality A Final. Come the finish line, Greece came out winners, after leading from the early stages.

Credit: Benedict Tufnell

Earlier in the morning, two crews were in action across the B Finals.

Anna Cowell and Valentina Fenton ended their U23 campaign on a high. For both athletes, this was their U23 debut. After narrowly missing out on a spot in the A Final, they raced hard in the B Final to win ahead of Austria and Greece.

Credit: Benedict Tufnell

Freddy Foxwell and Isaac Morris were back in action in the Men’s Double Sculls. The two found themselves leading the pack in the early stages. Come the final 500m, there were fireworks all across the course as the field tightened up. Belgium moved from sixth to third, and the Spanish combination caught the British in the closing stages, meaning Foxwell and Morris finished second, eighth overall in the world.

Credit: Benedict Tufnell

“We’ve had another really good day, with all crews delivering impressive Championship performances,” said GB Rowing Team Head Coach for the Olympic Pathway Pete Sheppard.

“I’m delighted that we’ve come away with four really strong medals; silver for both the Women’s Four and Women’s Quad, and gold for the Men’s Four and Men’s Quad. The standard of racing at this Championships has been exceptional and every athlete can be very proud of their performance. I’m looking forward to seeing our final three crews race tomorrow to round out what has already been a successful Championships for Great Britain.”