Excitement and anticipation are building as Birmingham’s NEC prepares for the annual British Rowing Indoor Championships, inviting thousands of athletes and their families to enjoy a weekend against the clock. This year’s entries list boasts several stand-out junior women across all the events, and the spectators at this championship are in for a treat with the quality of performances expected. Although the erg is not a rower’s best friend, I am sure that this competition will bring much enjoyment alongside tough challenges and battles. Additionally, an event like this one provides a valuable opportunity to gain crucial racing experience without the threat of flooding or cancellation getting in the way.
Year 7 Girls
Although these girls will have only had a small glimpse into the world of rowing, the Year 7 girls’ event always reveals pools of talent and shows the names of the next young stars. Notable entries include Harriet While from Hereford Rowing Club, a successful team of athletes from junior to masters, known for producing impressive crews who are no strangers to the podium. Another one to watch is Eliza Miskiewicz from Trent Rowing Club, who will be, undoubtedly, a confident group heading into the weekend after an impressive display last year from the whole cohort. Despite her age, Eliza will surely be looking forward to getting stuck into the joys of junior rowing and will most likely have her sights on the future.
Year 8 Girls
There will be plenty of competition for athletes entered into this event, as 43 juniors are expected to face the clock. Stand-out competitors such as Jess Mason-Kelly and Jess Davis from The Gorse Boat Club, alongside returning champion Jasmine Howe of Northampton School. This trio made up the podium of last year’s frenzy, so I have no problem putting forward these names as the ones to beat in this category. However, last year’s fourth-place finisher, Lucy Turnbell, also from The Gorse Boat Club, is back to fight her teammates for a well-earned, potential medal. The Year 8 girls’ race will surely be a thrilling fight for all and a nail-biting watch for anyone cheering on these young athletes.
Year 9 Girls
Another category packed with talent is the Year 9 girls’ category. Lottie O’connor from Hereford Rowing Club will be looking to defend her title as the previous winner of the four-minute event, alongside bronze medalist Amanda Ameyaw from The Gorse Boat Club and fourth-place finisher Hayling College’s Tia Mildenhall, although not without a fight, as 2024’s times reveal a mere seven metres between the top three athletes. Another strong contender is Ffion Blackmore of Llandaff Rowing Club, a small but mighty club with a strong team spirit and a history of success at national events throughout all squads. These girls are getting stuck into their junior rowing careers, and it would be no surprise to see any of these girls breaking through at the championships, as well as out on the water.
Year 10 Girls
Layla McMonagle-Dunn from The Gorse Boat Club is back for more this year following her victory over Darcie Stephens of Eton Excelsior Rowing Club and RGS Worcester’s Elsa Somer in the highly anticipated Year 10 girls event. These athletes will be familiar with the pressure and buzz of a competitive atmosphere, so that this race will be an impressive display of schoolgirl rowing with close margins among the field. Other clubs, including Hartpury University and College Boat Club, Headington School Boat Club, and Trent Rowing Club, have put forward rowers into this event, further increasing the excitement leading up to this weekend.
Year 11 Girls
Heading into an important year with the first opportunity to trial for GB, the season for these Junior 16 women is in full swing. This year’s event list features Jessica Atkin of Trent Rowing Club, who holds the remaining title for last year’s Year 10 girls five five-minute row, and is an established, young rower with several national medals under her name. She is joined by Kingston Rowing Club’s Rebecca Gill and India Hamilton from Evesham Rowing Club, who both competed last year and achieved impressive and credible results. I advise spectators to keep an eye on these girls as they progress into the summer season, as we may see their names near the front again.
Sixth Form Girls
2000m of perseverance and pain await these young women as they enter their last and most exciting few years of schoolgirl rowing. Outstanding names include Canford School’s Freya Coupe, who has represented Great Britain at the U19 World Rowing Championships, where she and her crew took the gold medal. Bronze medallist from 2024, Olivia Greenwell of Avon County Rowing Club, is returning in hopes of achieving another piece of silverware, alongside Lulu Ikeagwuani from Nottinghamshire County Rowing Association, who missed out on the bronze by just three metres at the previous year’s event.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming weekend is poised to offer moments that test teamwork and sportsmanship, showcasing raw talent. From the chaos of the super-sprint to the challenge of the sixth form 2k, anyone lucky enough to be spectating will undoubtedly leave feeling inspired and motivated to work towards their goals.
