Shanklin-Sandown Rowing club returned from the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham, venue for the British Rowing Championships, with a haul of three gold and one bronze medal, plus a raft of personal best performances from the nine young athletes representing the club in all finals.
A double gold medal for Louis Sheasby, still just 15, was the coup of the weekend. Favourites for the J16 2x event with Carter Horrix, the crew led from start to finish in their main event to win convincingly, having just returned from representing Great Britain last week in the Anglo-French match. Remaining unbeaten all season, Carter and Louis received their Gold medals from former Olympic coach Martin McElroy.
However, both Carter and Louis then raced in their singles the following day, with Louis causing a major upset, winning the time trial, semi and final by 10 seconds from his Scottish GB team-mate. Setting a blistering pace, Louis led from start to finish, building on his lead with every stroke. A phenomenal achievement for Louis, to gain his second Gold medal.
Fred Giemza-Pipe, in the J18 1x was in top form in his time trial to finish third and then repeated his performance in the semi to reach the A final. Coming from behind to overtake some very experienced and established scullers, Fred rowed the race of his life to win the Bronze medal.
Teaming up with Shanklin team-mate Arlo Adds in the J18 2x, the boys enjoyed a great time trial to reach the C final where they recorded their PB. Also competing in the doubles were J14s Rose Collier and Layla Katirewa, reaching the D final following a powerful time trial. Despite not being able to sustain the pace in the final, it was an encouraging performance in their first major race together.
Teaming up with the Ella Haydon, Connie Batley-Smith and cox Esme Walters for the girls J14 4x, following a strong time trial, secured a place in the B final, a great achievement for the girls crew. However, due to injury, they were not able to progress further.
Following his gold in the 2x, Carter Horrix had a disappointing time trial in his single to reach the F final, but proved a point in his race to win by 15 lengths and beat the time of many higher final’s winners. Also making the minor final was Esme Walters, who rowed a brave, considered race with a great sprint finish to claim third spot.
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