GOLDEN glory was on offer for two Worcester students who enjoyed ‘oar-some’ success at the British Junior Rowing Championships,
King’s Worcester students Georgie Thorp and Alice Baker were crowned Under-18 British Champions at the event at the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham. The teenagers overcame the challenge of seven other pairs from all around the country from major rowing clubs and leading rowing schools.
On the day the formidable pair rowed superbly through the heats and then onto the final, where they competed against leading crews from Aberdeen Schools Rowing Association and Marlow Rowing Club.
After competing in what was one of the hottest days of the year, the girls’ hard work and determination paid off to take an impressive gold medal at the fiercely competitive event.
Georgie, 18, said: “It’s been a challenging year, with Covid it’s been really difficult putting in the necessary training.
“It was our last race together as a pair, as I’m heading off to university in September, but all the hard work and training was really worth it and finally paid off.”
Alice, 17, who also won silver in the World Indoor Rowing Championship earlier this year added, “We couldn’t have done it without Will Bird – our coach. This win is for the three of us.
“Will put in endless time to help us improve our form and was instrumental in getting us to this competition.”
Mr Bird said: “I’m so immensely proud of the girls. They controlled the race from start to finish. They not only had a strong start but continued to follow this through the race right to their strong finish at the end.
“This win is the product of hundreds of hours of training both on and off the water both as a squad, a pair and individually over the last years.
“They are incredibly talented and committed sportswomen who serve to aspire many younger rowers for years to come.”
The win was a bittersweet end to their duo, as due to Covid the girls were denied a place on the Great Britain women’s team when GB withdrew their participation in the World Rowing Junior Championship.
With arguably one of the best stretches of river for rowing in the country and the most impressive school boat houses, it’s not surprising King’s Worcester has been a strong force in national rowing events for many years.
As one of the major sports available to students from Year 9 upwards, rowing is enormously popular at the school.
The King’s Worcester Boat Club is located on the River Severn and based at the award-winning Michael Baker Boathouse, providers uninterrupted stretch of water and enviable training facilities making it a perfect place to train.
Visit www.ksw.org.uk for more.