After several rounds of testing, it’s time for the GB final selection trials. These individuals have already displayed immense levels of aptitude both on and off the water. For the U23 scullers competing, it’s an opportunity to show what they can do relative to the other athletes who want to be selected for the World Rowing Championships in Poznan this summer.
Matt Long and Ed Fuller
This Reading University BC crew will be the favourites to come out on top here. With Matt Long the U23 athlete and Ed Fuller his facilitator, you’ll struggle to find a better crew taking to the water in the sculling events. This time last year, Long won final trials in the single against many of the athletes who went on to race in Paris. He’s one of the best scullers in the country and has a bright future ahead of him. He finished fifth at November trials in the single and fourth in the double with Fuller in February. When you consider Fuller’s pedigree as a facilitator, there won’t be many better. Having won a gold medal in the PR3 coxed four in Paris, his experience should support Long as he battles against the very best. It wouldn’t be a surprise if this crew beat most of the senior entries.
Harry Ruinet and Max Bird
Coming eighth at the February trials, this Marlow RC / Windosorian crew are a strong outfit that have found a lot of speed in the double. Considering that they came 20th and 28th place in the single at the November trials, it’s a pairing that has seen them climb above all of their U23 competition except Long. Bird and Ruinet are experienced athletes who learnt to row at The Windsor Boys School and Claires Court Schools respectively, with the former winning The Fawley Challenge Cup and the latter qualifying for the U23 GB quad last summer.
Ryne Robson and Robert Collen
Hot on their tails, this crew is another Reading University entry. Having come ninth in February, there isn’t a lot between them and the other U23 entries at final trials. Robson was the fastest sculler at the Home International Regatta trials and represented England in the single and the quad, finishing second and first, respectively. Collen also has an equally strong background that involves international representation, though he was in coastal rowing, where he won gold at the 2022 U19 World Rowing Championships. It’ll be interesting to see whether they can push on and overhaul the 10-second deficit that saw them finish behind Ruinet and Bird.
Freddy Foxwell and Murray Bone
After coming tenth at February trials, Freddy Foxwell has a new partner this time out in Murray Bone. The Edinburgh and Leander Club athlete came 32nd in the single at November trials and will look for more as they take to the water at Caversham. Having competed at the Coupe De La Jeunesse for GB, Foxwell has continued his development north of the border. Bone, having captained the Aberdeen Schools Rowing Association, won gold for the club at the National Schools’ Regatta and has himself trialled for U19 selection. He has the boat skills that are required to aid Foxwell in his efforts for selection here. Moving forward, they’ll hope to overturn a few of the U23 crews that are racing.
Prediction
With the exception of Matt Long and Ed Fuller, the field is generally very close. The Reading University crew should have far too much skill and experience for the other U23 athletes, and it’s my expectation that they come out on top here. It’s hard to separate the other athletes based on what they’ve already done this season, and that’s an exciting prospect. It’ll be exciting to review the results that we get and see who has made the most progress over the last few months.
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