As the regatta season rapidly unfolds, our eyes turn to the junior women’s single sculls, a field this year that boasts international representation and little red boxes. There are only seven scullers in this race, meaning a straight A-final. How will these girls fare without a time trial to see who their biggest competition is?
Thornton – Sir William Perkins’s School Boat Club
On paper, Annabelle Thornton is a favourite. She raced at the U19 World Rowing Championships in the pair and already tested herself at the U23 GB Trials this season — a rare feat for a junior. She should be looking forward to this weekend, knowing she has the opportunity to control this race. She is backed by Sir William Perkins School Boat Club’s powerhouse sculling program. I expect her to comfortably snag a place on the podium this Monday.
Donn – Claires Court Boat Club
A proven big-race performer, Rebecca Donn is no stranger to this stage. A Henley Royal Regatta winner, silver medallist in the women’s Junior 17 single last year, and former champion at Junior 16 level, she raced for Great Britain at Coupe de la Jeunesse in the quad. After enrolling at the University of San Diego, she will be heading to the West Coast for university studies, so I would not expect her to back down easily here. I predict that she and Thornton will battle it out from start to finish.
Girardet – Lea Rowing Club
Lea Rowing Club have a strong reputation for producing technical and gritty athletes. Girardet came second in the girls’ second quad at the National Schools’ Regatta last year. She’s also proven she can race internationally, and she was selected to represent Great Britain at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in summer 2024. If the wind and waves pick up, she’ll thrive!
Prediction
I expect a close battle between Donn and Thornton for the top spot, with Girardet in the mix. Just because this race has fewer competitors does not mean the competition will be less fierce. It is a race of quality over quantity and may likely come down to the last stroke.
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