St Neots girls push UK’s elite all the way at National Schools’ Regatta

St Neots Rowing Club duo Louise Shorten and Olivia Hooper put in a strong performance at the National Schools’ Regatta on Sunday 29 May. Competing for the last time at the annual event in what is arguably the most difficult of all rowing categories – coxless pairs – the girls finished fifth in the J18 final, completing the two kilometre course in 8 mins 22.41 secs.

Earlier in the day, they had to complete a time trial and then qualify from their semi-final against crews from some of the largest and most successful rowing clubs in the country, including some based in London, Cambridge and Oxford.

“Louise and Olivia have been our most successful junior rowers in recent years and thoroughly deserved their place among the UK’s finest at the National Schools’ Regatta,” said Steve Fox, St Neots Rowing Club captain.

“Their great performance was down to their commitment to training and sheer determination, matched with impressive technical abilities. They are sure to be a force to be reckoned with as they move up to senior rowing next year.”

The National Schools’ Regatta is the largest regatta for juniors aged 14 to 18 in Great Britain. Held this year at Dorney Lake near Windsor, venue for rowing at the 2012 Olympics, it is considered by many to be the most prestigious event on the junior rowing calendar.