Shanklin take bronze at Studland!

Taking part in the biggest British Beach Sprints Championship to date, Shanklin athletes, many completely new to the sport tried their hand at this new Olympic sport with some great results. 

Annabelle Steward and Layla Katirewa competed in JW 16 1x, an age group above them, as great preparation for the season ahead. Both had good rows in their time trial, to finish in the top half in the time trial at 12th and 14th place. 

The senior mixed quad included three complete Beach Sprints rookies Ella Collins(cox), Jamie Gamble and Ethan Walters, but their fine boat experience served them well, combining successfully with Bass Andre and Frances Katirewa, seasoned beach sprinters. Winning their first race they built confidence qualifying for their semi, where they lost to the eventual Gold medallists. However, Shanklin convincingly won their B final to take a well-deserved bronze medal, beaten only by elite composite crews. 

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.

As a GB Sculling Academy, Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club are very keen 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.”