Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club’s single sculler Kayleigh Batchelor – a potential future Olympian – crowned an amazing season by representing Great Britain in the annual GB v France match last Thursday (7th July).
Having enjoyed great success at the National Schools Regatta sculling in the higher age bracket and finishing a close 2nd in the recent J16 GB trials in Nottingham in June, Kayleigh was selected to represent her country to compete at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium in Paris, the 2024 Olympic venue.
In the spares race, Kayleigh found herself down in the 1st 500m but clawed her way back into the race and found herself out in front for the final 1000m, winning by over 7 seconds.
Club captain Garry Walters said:
“We are absolutely delighted and so proud of Kayleigh’s achievements. She is a dedicated sculler and will certainly go on to compete internationally for many years … though she might not get to race in Paris in 2 years, she is destined for future Olympics.”
