A trio of Shanklin Sandown rowers competed last weekend at the largest Junior event in the country, surpassing all expectations at the National Schools Regatta at Dorney Lake Windsor.
Connie Batley-Smith, just 15, faced a field of 56 in the Championship (U19) singles, gaining an excellent 11th place in the 1900m time trial. She went onto win her repêchage over 2000m and qualified for the B final.
An excellent last 500m in the final saw Connie surge ahead of a closely packed field to claim the third spot.
Also competing in the open championship singles, Isaac King (16) and Digby Ridgwell (15) enjoyed their first taste of the highest standard competitive sculling and beat over 20 scullers to qualify for the E final where they finished second and seventh respectively.
Club Captain Garry Walters applauded the youngsters, saying:
“This was a remarkable feat for all athletes, 2 of whom are just 15, to compete three years above and hold their own. For Connie to gain a B final podium finish is extraordinary.”
This weekend sees the club’s home Hants & Dorset regatta with waterwork returning to the sea before preparations start for the British Rowing Club Championships in July.
