The National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships (NJIRC) – the biggest indoor rowing competition in the country – went virtual this year, breaking all records with over 2,500 entries.
Shanklin-Sandown Rowing Club became an official hub for this top junior event, providing a competitive arena for over 70 Island competitors last week.
With Islanders regularly winning medals at this event, this year was no exception with 8 top ten places, including 2 golds. A further 5 students finished in the top 20 in the country. There were numerous personal best times recorded and some highly competitive racing which yielded impressive results all round, reflecting the significant range of rowing talent on the Island.
Connie Batley Smith triumphed in the Year 9 Girls event, winning gold with a formidable performance, and went on to gain a worthy 6th place in the relay team with her Bay School colleagues. Shanklin team-mate Esme Walters also struck Gold in the Student 2000m event.
Just outside the medals were Year 11 Charlie Watts (4th) and Year 13 Joe Roberts (6th) of Ryde Rowing Club, with Isaac King (Bay CE 7th in year 11 boys), Martha Eggleton (5th Year 9 Girls) and George Purchase (Year 8 boys 7th) of the Island Free School.
Another 5 students secured top 20 places – Rose Lyon (The Bay CE) 12th, Chloe Walker (SSRC) gaining 13th, Jack Gillard (13th) and Eric Williams (19th) from Christ the King and an 18th place for Olivia Mumberson (Island Free School)
Marking the close of the Indoor rowing season, Island rowers now look ahead to busy racing and event schedule on the water.
Having recently gained GB Sculling Academy status, Shanklin Rowing club welcome British Rowing to their club for their official launch and open day on Good Friday (18th April) as well as GB Beach Sprints coach and Ben Reed, performance coach for the South of England.
Anyone above the age of 11 who is interested, should come to Esplanade Shanklin between 10:00 and 13:00.
