Chronicle Summer 2024

59 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Despite some setbacks due to illness, the crews in the Junior Men’s 2nd VIII and Junior Men’s 16 VIII demonstrated resilience and potential for the summer races. The Seville Rowing Camp at Easter signals the start of summer racing and another intensive period of training, alongside preparing for exams. We saw great

The boys' 1st VIII: Felix Jamieson (cox), Elam Hughes, Harvey Burford, Bligh Henshilwood, Xeni Chapman, Monte Wood, Rufus Henning, Joseph McVeigh, Jacques Menagé

They both put in outstanding performances at the Munich International Regatta, securing four gold medals between them - a remarkable achievement that demonstrates their talent and determination. Their success in Munich positions them well as they head to the final trials in July, where they will compete for a place in the prestigious Junior World Championships or the Coupe de la Jeunesse. Joining Felix and Elam at the final trials will be fellow St Edward’s rowers Xeni Chapman and Harvey Burford. Their inclusion in the trials is a testament to their hard work and outstanding performances throughout the season. Louisa Molloy and Izzy Johnson will participate in the race-off event, aiming to secure a coveted place at the final trials. Their participation in the trials reflects the depth of talent within our rowing program and the high standards to which our athletes aspire. We are confident that they have the potential to achieve great success. The 2023-2024 season has been one of growth, resilience, and exceptional achievements for St Edward’s rowing teams. With a strong foundation laid, as the Chronicle goes to press the focus now turns to Henley Rowing Regatta and hopefully something similar to last year!

and couldn’t race but remained in high spirits, supporting their teammates. The National Schools’ Regatta was the pinnacle of the season, with the girls’ 1st VIII achieving an historic second place in the final of Championship VIIIs. This was a truly outstanding performance from the girls in one of the tightest finishes of the day. They were very much supported by the girls’ 2nd boat which raced in Championship Coxless 4s, finishing 5th. One of the reasons for the success of girls’ rowing has been the development of the squad and I am sure there is even more to come from this young group in the future. After a promising time trial and semi-final the boys’ 1st VIII were in another great final, finishing 6th in the country. The J16 boys finished a fantastic 6th in Championship VIIIs and the boys’ 2nd VIII also demonstrated their competitive edge, with notable performances that promise a bright future. In their first ever 2k race, the boys’ J15 VIII finished 5th in the C Final and the Shell girls placed just outside of the qualifying times. Both crews are looking forward to pushing on with their training next year. Felix Jamieson and Elam Hughes have shown exceptional promise and skill in pursuit of a seat with the GB Rowing Team.

improvements across the squads with strong performances at the regatta at the camp’s end, particularly from the boys’ J16 and 2nd VIII crews. The silver medal for the girls 1st VIII was perhaps a sign of things to come! While the J16 and Senior rowers were in Seville, the Shells and Fourth Form were training at Godstow, where, sadly, conditions were not quite as favourable as in Spain! This has been one of the wettest rowing seasons for some time, and the river has been on Red for 80% of the year. It has been an interrupted and frustrating year for our younger members, but they have fitted in a few races, with a good showing at Worcester Regatta where the J15 girls dominated their first race against Stowe. In the final they lost to a senior crew from Worcester Rowing Club, however the girls showed commendable speed and tenacity. In the afternoon, the girls switched from an eight to a four and easily won their second race against Stowe, winning the girls’ coxed four category overall. The Shell boys gained crucial experience at their first race, winning three heats. The double of Seb Watters and Harry Beale was narrowly defeated in the final. The Shell girls’ A Quad had a tough race against RGS Worcester, ultimately losing but gaining valuable experience. The B Quad faced technical issues