Kayleigh Batchelor – who recently represented her country at the GB v France match in Paris – recently secured the gold medal in the women’s J16 single scull at the British Junior Championships in Notthingham.
Having finished 2nd in the time trial element of the event, Kayleigh faced her British teammate in the final. Finding herself down at the halfway stage, she executed her race plan to perfection, stepping up a gear she made a move with 600m to go, to seize the lead. At this point, Kayleigh built on this advantage from her challengers to win by 3 lengths.
Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club enjoyed a 2nd gold medal-winning performance from the Boy’s J14 double of Carter Horrix & Louis Sheasby. The crew produced the fastest time in the time trial and – in the side-by-side final – the crew led off the start and held off the challenge of their nearest rivals from Exeter to win by half a length. Adding to their win in the Junior Inter-regional Championships in April, this win secures their top ranking in the country.
Altogether, Shanklin Sandown Rowing club took 7 crews to Nottingham to compete against the top Junior athletes in the country.
The club’s other crews also enjoyed an excellent regatta, with all Shanklin members making finals. Rachael Debenham won the D final of the J18 sculls, placing her in the top 20 scullers for her age group, whilst the newly formed pair of Ollie Hatch and Fred Giemza-Pipe finished 2nd in their B final.
The boy’s double of Ben Smith and Arlo Adds, and another new combination of Beth Katirewa and Esme Walters, both acquitted themselves well – as did Ollie Hatch in the single scull – with all 3 crews competing at this level of competition for the 1st time and showing great commitment and potential for the future
