15-year-old Connie Batley Smith produced a superb comeback to win on her Great Britain debut as she helped secure victory over France in the annual GB v France match.
Having beaten a strong field at the recent GB team trials in Nottingham, Connie Batley Smith, of Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club, was selected to represent Great Britain at the annual GB v France match in Gravelines, France, on Saturday.
Making her international debut in the WJ16 single sculls, Connie suffered a difficult start as her French opponent surged into a three-length lead.
Undeterred, the talented Isle of Wight rower steadily reeled in the deficit, drawing level by the 500m mark before powering clear. With every stroke she increased her advantage and, over the final 250 metres, found another gear to cross the finish line more than five seconds ahead of her opponent.
Great Britain claimed a further 7 race victories to secure the boys’, girls’ and overall team titles, with Connie given the honour of collecting the girls’ team trophy on behalf of her teammates.
The victory marks a remarkable milestone for the 15-year-old, who still has another year remaining in the WJ16 age group.
Connie’s attention now turns to the British Rowing Championships in Nottingham, where she will be joined by 15 fellow Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club athletes for a demanding weekend of racing, which gets underway on Friday.
