Shanklin rowers have returned from the British Beach Sprints Championship with strong performances, including a bronze medal finish, at what was the biggest event of its kind to date.
Several of the athletes were completely new to the sport, which is being considered for future Olympic inclusion, but still achieved impressive results.
Annabelle Steward and Layla Katirewa stepped up an age group to compete in the Junior Women’s 16 single sculls (JW 16 1x), gaining valuable experience ahead of the upcoming season. Both rowers delivered solid performances in the time trial, placing 12th and 14th respectively in a competitive field.
In the senior mixed quad, three first-time beach sprint competitors – Ella Collins (cox), Jamie Gamble and Ethan Walters – joined forces with experienced beach sprinters Bass Andre and Frances Katirewa. Despite their inexperience in the discipline, the crew gelled well thanks to their strong flatwater rowing backgrounds.
After winning their opening race, the mixed quad advanced to the semi-finals where they were defeated by the eventual gold medallists. They bounced back in the B final with a commanding win to claim the bronze medal, finishing behind only elite composite teams.
The result highlights a promising start for the Shanklin crew in this growing form of coastal rowing.
Club Captain Garry Walters was delighted with the performances.
“Our J16s were great in their first taste of competition at this level and with a year to go in this age group. The mixed quad were impressive and just got faster with every race.
Article continues below this advertisement “As a GB Sculling Academy, Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club are delighted to support this new Olympic sport. We get our own FISA boats next week so can train on the island and look forward to further successes in the future.”
