Returning to the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham, the British Rowing Championships bring together the best athletes from up and down the country for some spectacular racing. With a much smaller entry to the women’s championship double sculls than last year, the seven crews will surely be the highest calibre of athletes.
Newark Rowing Club: J. Titterington, G. Joy
These two ladies from up the River Trent are no strangers to success on the water. Jen Titterington most recently competed at both Henley Women’s Regatta and Henley Royal Regatta Qualifiers in the scull, showing success against some tough competition. Georgina Joy also competed at Henley Royal Regatta for Wycliffe College Boat Club, with her quad being knocked out by the ‘A’ Wycliffe crew in the semifinals of The Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup. Success at Henley aside, both athletes were selected last year to compete for England at the Home International Regatta, where they won all categories they had raced – this international prowess will surely hold this crew in good stead for the weekend racing.
Tideway Scullers School: M. Saunders, A. Delevante
Another crew with international success is the Tideway Scullers – both athletes have represented Great Britain at some point in their careers. The club is known for sculling success, with impressive performances at Henley Women’s Regatta, Henley Royal Regatta, and Marlow. Seeing this combination of talented athletes come together over the weekend is one to watch.
Cambridge University / Oxford University Boat Club: G. King, C. King
The twins Gemma and Catherine King are back together for another year in this category. Both sisters have a reputable ability in sweep, with the pair competing in numerous Boat Races each, so the switch to racing together and sculling shows their depth as individual athletes. This crew reached the A-final at last year’s championships, coming third against two other combinations that have not been entered – a step in the right direction for the ladies to reach the gold medal position.
Predicitons
Although only three crews have been mentioned, every crew in this category has a chance of putting down an impressive performance at this year’s championships. However, if I had to choose my top crew, it would be the Newark Rowing Club crew, with the Cambridge/Oxford composite closing down the gap behind.
