And They’re Off…
The lucky 8 chosen to compete in the World Championships packed our bags for training camp. This took place on the official GB training lake in Caversham where we were able to practice in the 8 every day and use the rowing machine and weights room to maintain fitness and improve technique.
There were a few dramas and disagreements in the crew but this was inevitable as we were together 24/7 training and staying in a hotel. We managed to make some good improvements with the help of our coach Nessa Folan, and with input from both Myles Forbes-Thomas, a former senior squad coach, and Peter Sheppard, the Under 23 (U23) team selector. The U23 team was a big mixed team this year and they were hoping for another successful year of medals.
Once training was over we set off to Amsterdam for the World Championships. A couple of the girls had doubts about competing as an 8+ and thought a 4- may give us a better chance to win a medal. However, testing was carried out and the choice was made to take an 8+ so we all put our mind to it to try and give the best performance we could! After a couple of days to get used to the course and find our bearings, we began racing on 22nd July, with our final race on 24th July. Our final position was 5th behind Canada, New Zealand, USA and Germany.
I felt disappointed with the way we raced. I think we were caught out when people went off harder than we had practiced and I feel that as a crew our cruising speed decreased as the other crews increased and moved ahead. I don’t think we prepared very well for every circumstance and I also don’t think that each athlete was at the medalling standard. Perhaps we would have medalled in a 4-, who knows. But that’s what the new season is for so watch this space!
Olivia