Isle of Wight rower Louis Sheasby has finished 4th in the world after representing Great Britain at the 2026 U19 World Rowing Championships in Bulgaria – narrowly missing out on a medal in an incredibly tight final.
The talented youngster, who previously rowed for Shanklin & Sandown, travelled to Plovdiv as 1 of 42 athletes selected for the GB Rowing Team and lined up in the Men’s Quadruple Sculls.
Sheasby joined Finley Corby and Gabriel Lorenzi of Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School Boat Club, and Isaac Thornton of The Windsor Boys’ School Boat Club, for 3 days of racing against some of the best junior crews in the world.
It marked another major milestone for the Island rower, who headed into the World Championships after helping Leander Club win the prestigious Fawley Challenge Cup at this year’s Henley Royal Regatta.
Louis had also previously represented Great Britain in the annual GB v France match in 2024, winning the Men’s Double Sculls before stepping up to U19 international competition this season.
The World Championships began with Sheasby and his GB crewmates facing Poland – who had finished 2nd at the European Championships – alongside an Individual Neutral Athlete, Egypt, Bulgaria and Hong Kong in the heats.
Great Britain were sitting 2nd as they passed the 1,000m marker and trailed Poland by just under a second at halfway.
But Sheasby, Corby, Lorenzi and Thornton made their move through the third 500m, with Poland unable to respond.
The British boat broke clear to win by 3.9 seconds, securing its place in the A/B semi-finals.
On day 2, Sheasby and the GB quad faced Italy, France, China, the USA and Croatia.
The British crew went toe-to-toe with Italy down the course and posted the fastest time across the 2 semi-finals, finishing with clear water over 3rd-placed France.
That performance booked Louis and his crewmates a place in the A Final and a shot at a World Championship medal.
The Men’s Quadruple Sculls final proved to be a nail-biter.
Great Britain built through the field and, with 500m remaining, Sheasby and his crewmates were sitting in 3rd and in medal contention.
A frantic sprint to the line followed.
Germany held their nerve at the front to take the world title, with Poland holding on for silver.
Denmark produced a late charge, moving from 6th to 3rd over the final 500m and pushing Sheasby and the British crew into 4th in the dying stages.
It was an exceptionally close finish, with just over 2 seconds separating 1st from 6th.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on a medal, Louis leaves Bulgaria ranked 4th in the world following a memorable international campaign.
Louis has said:
“This has been an amazing experience. Although we are disappointed with the result, we felt we performed well over the 3 days and, on reflection, I am happy to come away being 4th in the world.
“Thank you to my crew mates and coach Pete Chambers and the whole GB rowing team.
“I will be back again pushing for the top honours.
“And of course, thank you to my sponsors Wightlink in the Community, my family and friends who have been here supporting me.”
