The junior boys have once again filled out the sculling event at the Tromp Boat Races. With 47 entries and a broad range of clubs, this being the first race of the season, it will be interesting to see who ranks at the top. With some of these boys having represented the Netherlands last summer, there are a few standouts who can be expected to perform well.
Martijn Aris
Willem III, a club that always manages to produce high-quality boats, has entered five scullers. I would expect Martijn Aris to lead the group. He had a successful season last year, and now entering his final junior year, he will be developing toward a World Championship seat.
Clement Thewissen
From Amsterdam’s second club, De Hoop, Clement Thewissen is a promising development athlete. He switched boats consistently last year, from the pair to the double. Nevertheless, the highlight for him was a win in the quad at the Holland Beker.
Hidde Kelderman
Hidde Kelderman from Het Spaarne, son of former Nereus rower Hans Kelderman, certainly has the genes to be successful. He did not have much experience last season, but you cannot underestimate how quickly new juniors develop at this age.
Daan Munneke
From the north, Daan Munneke is representing De Hunze. He has been rowing since he was 14, and this is now his final junior year. De Hunze is very separated from the rest of Dutch rowing due to its northern location, but the club has had some incredible success stories in the past. I think Daan will be a strong contender to challenge the more local clubs.
Wicher Bergsma
Wicher Bergsma is from a lesser-known club, Hertog, but he has made an impression. In the single last year he consistently performed well. At NK Klein he was just behind the older athletes, finishing in the C final, and he made it to the A final at the Holland Beker. His wider experience in the single could now prove critical in competing with the rest.
Prediction
A prediction this early in the season is always difficult. Youth means these athletes can change and develop so quickly that it is hard to keep up. Previous years encourage me to focus on Willem III, as they consistently perform so well, but with more experience, I think Wicher Bergsma could lead the group.
