The first weekend of half term saw QEHS Rowers competing at the National Schools Regatta. This competition is held at the iconic venue of Dorney Lake in the shadow of Windsor Castle. Dorney Lake was created for the London 2012 Olympics and it is still amazing to see our rowers head under the bridge with the Olympic rings on it as they head to the start. Conditions were roasting on race day. I know that some rowers struggled to perform to their best in the heat.
The first day of the competition saw the Y9 and Y10 pupils competing. QEHS crews were racing the premier crews from across Britain; standards are high. The morning racing has crews racing a time trial to decide which final they will make in the afternoon. It is a great achievement to make an A or B final as it puts you in the top 12 crews in your event. Friday’s results saw our J15 1st 4x+( William, Noah, Oliver, Archy and cox Ruby) finish 5th in their D Final. Our J14 4x+(Freddie, Magnus, Theo, Cameron and cox Joseph) finished a very creditable 6th in a B Final. Our J14 1st 8x+girls ( Sophia, Flo, Ella, Gaby, Mary, Hannah, Anna, Jess and cox Constance) came an excellent 3rd in their B Final. J15 4+Girls (Isla, Ariel, Bella, Imogen and cox Madeleine) performed brilliantly to make an A Final where they came 6th. J15 1st 4x+ (Girls) (Maeve, Connie, Annabelle, Agatha and cox Evie) rowed hard but narrowly missed making a final. All these performances are a brilliant achievement for rowers who are new to the sport. It is a testament to the fitness work they have completed over the last few months. Kevin’s 20-minute steps run in the cold and wet paid dividends for these rowers!
Saturday and Sunday saw our older athletes competing. The temperature was over 30 degrees for some races, making racing extra difficult.
Astrid and Isla were first to race in singles time trials. Both performed well and made finals later in the day. Our Ch 4+ (Open) (Jacob, Alex, Alec, Adam) boys made a Final D. Our J16 4+ (Open) (Markus, Morty, James, Robin and cox Madeleine) performed brilliantly to make a Final B, coming in a superb 4th.
Final day results for QEHS athletes were a superb third place for Alexis and Mack in Ch 2- (Open) Final B. Their late charge to the line was one of the QEHS highlights of the trip.
It was a brilliant weekend away. Mr Gaines would like to give a big thank you to every one that made it happen: Coaches – Pam, Lydia, Evie and Ellen. Drivers – Mr Whitfield and Tobyn. Parental help on the day Henry, Stephanie and Leonie. Without our volunteer help, we would be unable to attend these competitions.
A big team effort to make many lifelong memories.
Respect. Engage. Aspire.
