A week of hot and often windy racing in Belgrade provided a week of highlights for CUBC alumni with two world champions crowned, two bronze medallists, and a slate of boats qualified for the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.
Lightweight Women’s Double Scull – Imogen Grant – Gold
Imgen Grant (Trinity) along with partner Emily Craig came in to this race as WBT holders, and defending champions, and they lived up to the expectations. An uncharacteristically slow start meant that it took slightly longer to take the lead than usual, but they were soon able to look back on their opponents and control the race. They crossed the line over three seconds ahead of their nearest competition in a dominant performance, and are justifiably favourites for the 2024 Paris Games.
See their race HERE
Men’s Coxless Four – Freddie Davidson – Gold
Laying down a rhythm from the stroke seat that is becoming one of the favourite topics of rowing commentators, Freddie Davidson (Emmanuel) was looking to retain the 2022 World Championship, and his four would be challenged by a number of crews including a new look USA 4-. The challengers were dealt with by the 1000, and in a headwind race, the GB could control the race and see off their challengers on the way to a repeat World Championship.
See their race HERE
Men’s Pair – Tom George and Ollie Wynne-Griffith – Silver
After comprehensively winning their heat, quarter, and semi-finals, Tom and Ollie (both Peterhouse) were ready for a hard race, and they raced in one of the races of the regatta, seeing the lead change several times. They overhauled a fast-starting Irish crew who would finish 3rd, and duelled with the Swiss pair who had a hugely strong 3rd 500 and went on to take the lead. Both the Swiss and GB rowed the same final 500m split, with the GB sprint for the line running out of water to take silver.
Watch them HERE
Mixed PR4 – Jan Helmich – Bronze
Chasing a GB 4+ that has been unbeaten for over a decade, Jan (Trinity)’s crew were facing an uphill challenge, but along with the USA, they attacked relentlessly through the first 500 with all boats still in contact. The GB crew drew away to record another victory, but Jan remained competitive, taking a well earned 3rd place and securing qualification for the Paris Paralympics.
Watch Jan HERE
Women’s Eight: Henry Fieldman – Fourth
In a race which would see the 6th placed finisher not qualify for the Paris Olympics, Henry (Homerton) and his crew went out to make sure that they would book their ticket to Paris. At the 1000m mark, the field was separated by less than 3 seconds, and at the 500, it was between GB, the USA, and Canada for bronze. The British and GB crews managed to put distance into Canada, but a huge finishing onslaught from the Americans moved them through the Australian crew for silver, but GB were not able to move through the tiring Australians, finishing in 4th.
Watch their race HERE
Women’s Double Scull – Paige Badenhorst – 6th, B Final
Magdalene’s Paige Badenhorst moved quickly into the double scull after completing her course in 2023, placing highly in this year’s World Cup. After placing sixth in her semi-final, Paige raced in the B-Final, and set out to qualify for the 2024 Paris Games. After leading to the 1000m, they faded to 6th in a race where all six crews were within 3 seconds at the finish. Paige will take her chance to qualify at the Final Olympic Qualification Regatta in May, where a top 2 place will be required.
Watch her race here.
Men’s Single Scull – Dara Alizadeh – 2nd, G-Final
After a tough week of racing, Dara (Hughes) placed 2nd in the G-Final and is looking forward to a big winter of training in preparation for the 2024 American Continental Qualifying Regatta, where he will need to place in the top 5 to book a ticket to Paris.