Imogen Grant has had a stellar season, winning the LW2x World Championship, qualifying her boat for the 2024 Paris Olympics, and nominated with her crewmate Emily Craig for FISA Women’s Crew of the Year.
She would aim to complete the season, and commence her preparation for the forthcoming GB Trials, by defending her title as Champion of the Thames in the 2023 Wingfield Sculls. The field included University of London’s Georgie Robinson-Ranger, and a number of highly – placed finishers in this year’s Scullers’ Head of the River including Katie Mole of Birmingham, Jenny Bates of Brookes, and Sarah Mackay of Grosvenor.
The early running was made by Robinson-Ranger, as the powerful UL sculler sprinted to a lead along the boats, chased by Grant and a pursuing pack. Imogen’s line choice and steering support served her well through the Fulham bend, where she worked towards Robinson-Ranger, who hit the Mile Marker at 5:04. By the Crabtree Pub, Imogen had taken the lead and was never headed, able to survey those behind her and take control of the race, leading comfortably along Chiswick Eyot, and extending her lead to 8 seconds at the finish.