SE CHRONICLE 684

53 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

GB Rowing After a year of regular testing both on and off the water, six senior rowers were invited to the GB U19 final trials at the end of term, with Josh Brangan and Isabel Llabres Diaz selected for the U19 World Championships held on Lake Varese, Italy. The report from British Rowing read: ‘As the A finalists took to the water, GB fans didn’t have to wait long for the first medal. The men’s four of Saxon Stacey, Cameron Tasker, Joshua Brangan and Alex Forbes at stroke had won both their heat and semi final in style and quickly took the lead in the A final, cruising to 35 strokes per minute. Looking fluid and relaxed, they moved ahead to clear water leaving Romania, Denmark and Italy to do battle for silver and bronze. With the finish approaching, Forbes took the rate up to 39 to cross the line in 5:56.81, over five seconds ahead of Denmark who took silver and Romania bronze. The margin of the win by the GB U19 men’s four meant it was one of the standout crews of the U19 Championships. With GB’s long legacy in this boat class at senior level, it was fantastic to see the juniors continuing the tradition in such commanding style.’ For Josh to complete his time at SESBC as a World Champion is a fantastic achievement and we wish him all the best on his next journey as he starts at Harvard University on a rowing scholarship. Isabel Llabres Diaz raced in the 8+ and is the first female rower from SESBC to be selected for the U19 World Championships. The report from British Rowing read: ‘In the women’s squad, GB was fielding an eight for the first time in 12 years. Defending champions USA had three athletes returning and were the favourites to retain their title, though GB had qualified with the fastest time in the heats. USA took an early lead in a highly competitive pack with GB in third, just behind Germany. In the final 500m GB pushed on as NZ and then Germany also charged to the line. GB held onto the silver medal position finishing behind USA who set an U19 World Championship’s best time.’ Isabel worked her way through SESBC starting as a Shell, and her silver medal is a great reward for the effort put in. Isabel intends to take a gap year rowing at Leander Club before continuing her rowing and education in America.

Isabel Llabres Diaz with the GB U19 Women’s coxed eight who won silver at the World Championships

Rory McDonnell, Roxy Welford and Isaac Hillicks-Tulip were selected for the Coupe de la Jeunesse (European Team) held in Castrelo de Miño, Spain. Rory raced in the 8+ winning gold on both days, as did Isaac who raced in the 4-. In both events, GB led from the front and won by clear water over the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. Roxy Welford raced in the 4- and although they won their heat on both days of the regatta, in the final the racing was tight and GB finished 5th. This is an extremely competitive event and the quality of racing high, however Roxy has another year to trial for U19 selection and I am sure will be looking forward to the chance to race for GB again. The Coupe de la Jeunesse is also a team event with points awarded for each

boat class and GB successfully defended their title winning both the boys’ and girls’ events. Scott Bain was selected for the England team in the Home Countries match held at the London Regatta Centre, Docklands. Scott won a silver medal in the coxed 4 and a gold medal in the 8+. The opportunity to race in different boat types provides a great experience for the athletes to learn from as they go through the regatta and it has been a steppingstone for many senior international athletes. Roxy, Scott, Isaac and Rory have another year of rowing at SESBC and I am sure the international experience they have gained will provide further motivation and inspiration for the rest of the Boat Club.

Josh Brangan with the GB U19 men’s four who won gold at the World Championships