2011

Thirty eight ergers, the eldest of whom is 82, made the trip from the UK and the Isle of Man to the 30th Anniversary running of the World Indoor Rowing Championships (aka the CRASH B’S) held at the Agganis Arena in Boston, under the guidance of Kimberley Naylor-Perrott as Team Manager and Pete Marston as Team Coach. Over half of those who travelled were competing in Boston for the first time. The Team GB meeting and International Competitors’ luncheon on Saturday, gave ample opportunity to make new friends, both within the team and among the international competitors, many of whom are contributors to the C2 UK forum.

On race day, Weston Towler, aged 82 rowed hard and secured a bronze medal in the first race of the day, in a time of 8.50.0. Shelagh Allen, who was recovering from a chest infection, gave her all, winning the second bronze of the day in the 70-74 Hwt. Rowing in her first Crash B’s, 50-54 Lwt, Carol Woodward faced an uphill task to gain a podium finish. Rowing hard, but sticking to her race plan, and with 300 metres to go, Carol found herself in 3rd place, with just 12 metres separating the first three. As Carol approached the last 150 metres, there was very little in the tank. She fought hard and to the line, winning the title in 7.42.9. Unable to stand, Kimberley helped Carol to make the long journey climbing the stadium steps to collect her precious Hammer.

Travelling 5320 kms, and coping with the jet lag and the dry atmosphere of the Agganis, every rower who put themselves on the start line representing Team GB gave their all. As such, every single member deserves a mention – but that would take too long!

Paul Winton, leading the Royal Navy and Royal Marine rowers was justifiably proud of his participants. Among his group, 6 of his rowers achieved PB’s. In the 30 + Hwt, Ollie Osborne finished 8th in 6.15.1, the fastest male finisher within Team GB.

The fastest female rower from Team GB was Jen Howse, who, being asthmatic and racing in the afternoon, fought hard to finish in 7.22.2 in the 30+ Hwt, finishing in a fantastic 4th place. Congratulations also to Shaun Hickson, who finished 8th in 40 + Hwt in 6.27.5. He had another reason to celebrate when he was told during the post race meal that he had become a Grandfather!

Given recessionary times, and the fact that there were no sponsored athletes representing Team GB this year, it is a great achievement that the Team can boast 3 medals, 6 finishers in the top 6 in their respective age groups and another 6 rowers placing in the top 10 in their age categories. There were 7 PB’s achieved by the team, notably Caroline Joynson, who finished 6th in the 30+ Lwt, knocking 6 seconds off her PB!

To conclude, every member of Team GB gained a great deal from rowing at this year’s event. Meeting new friends at pre and post race gatherings have produced many happy memories. Despite the pain, many of those who travelled to Boston made the resolution to train hard and return next year!