The men’s eight has been one of Team GB’s top boats across the past couple of years across all senior, U23 and U19 age groups. The senior men’s eight picked up a gold at the Olympics only a couple weeks ago, the U23 men’s eight is on a three year win streak and the U19 eight won gold last year in a thrilling showdown. These boys have big shoes to fill, yet with one of the most ‘stacked’ eights seen, there is no doubt they can fill them.
Harry Oliver, Hampton School (J17)
The import of Josh Butler to the Hampton program has produced dividends with them managing to secure a rower into the worlds team (Harry Oliver) for the first time in a while. Hampton placed eighth at the National Schools’ Regatta, managing to break into the top level of junior rowing in the U.K. Facing strong opposition from Radley on day one of the Henley Royal Regatta, it was a tough battle, but Hampton led through the halfway mark, making it difficult for Radley to advance. Harry’s clear determination and experience will add a lot to this crew.
Oliver Richardson, Eton College (J17)
Sitting in the six-seat of the Eton College first eight this season, Oliver Richardson has been one of several J17s in the boat. His crew narrowly missed out on a medal at the National Schools’ Regatta and faced an upsetting defeat in the semi-finals at Henley Royal Regatta. However, Oliver has bounced back, earning his first GB vest. Despite a season that likely didn’t go as he or his teammates had hoped, his resilience and ability to capture a GB vest are remarkable. With this determination and skill, he is an invaluable asset to the boat.
William Harper – Shiplake College (J17)
Having earned a GB vest at the Munich Junior International Regatta earlier this season, William Harper already has a taste of rowing on the international stage. He was a key member of Shiplake’s first eight, which secured a silver at the Schools’ Head of the River, a bronze at the National Schools’ Regatta, and reached their first boys’ Henley Royal Regatta final in 30 years. Being part of such a successful crew has likely fueled his desire to win—an invaluable mindset for international competition.
Elam Hughes – St Edward’s School (J17)
Having already represented his country at the Munich International Regatta, Elam Hughes returned to Oxford, taking the six seat in Teddies’ Henley campaign. After defeating the New Zealand national champions, they ultimately fell on Saturday to the eventual regatta winners. Elam has played a crucial role in the Teddies crew, occupying a seat traditionally reserved for someone both powerful and technically proficient—qualities that will undoubtedly benefit his crew.
Edward Bayfield – Abingdon School (J18)
A disappointing fifth place in the B-final and the absence of a Henley pre-qualification likely made Edward Bayfield’s season far from ideal. However, he hasn’t let these setbacks deter him and earning a spot on the world’s team will have elevated him to the highest levels of junior rowing in the UK. Although his results history may not be as decorated as some of his peers, Edward has clearly refined his power and technical skills, making him a valuable addition to the eight.
Alec Wild – St Paul’s School (J18)
After a controversial transfer that saw Alec Wild cross the river from Latymer to St Paul’s, he walked onto the St Paul’s first eight that picked up the ‘quadruple’ in schoolboy rowing, a gamble transfer that clearly paid off. With two previous Coupe de la Jeunesse vests as well as representation at the Munich International Junior Regatta, he is the most experienced man in the team. In the boat he is reunited with former pairs partner Leopold where they form the seamless synergy in the six and seven seats. The power Alec brings to the crew is invaluable, and they will certainly benefit from his strength and skill.
Leopold Hainlein – Latymer Upper School (J18)
Recruited to Stanford University and the bowman of last year’s Coupe pair, Leopold Hainlein has rowed in the Latymer first eight this season. His crew secured second in the B-final at the National Schools’ Regatta before a tough draw at Henley Royal Regatta -placing them against finalists from Shiplake in the first round – saw them getting knocked out. After losing his pairs partner to the Paul’s program, he has managed to pick himself up and bag a spot in the worlds eight.
Timothy Gutsev – Westminster School (J18)
The rhythm of this stern pair is something that needs to be observed this regatta. Both Timothy Gutsev and Leopold raced together in the pair at the Coupe de la Jeunesse last year, allowing them to perfect their synergy and craft in a boat that is a lot more sensitive than the eight. His crew placed seventh at the National Schools’ Regatta and faced the St Paul’s crew that later went on to win Henley Royal Regatta in the second round. His Tideway experience will likely make him a skillful rower and someone who the eight will be lucky to have on board.
Cox – Edward Crosthwaite-Eyre, Eton College (J17)
Edward Crosthwaite-Eyre, a cox who raised eyebrows in the press box at Henley Royal Regatta with his bold steering on the un-buoyed course, will have to keep that tactic in the toolbox on the buoyed Canadian lake. He steered the Eton first eight to a fourth-placed finish at the National Schools’ Regatta and pushed them to the line to defeat the Australian silver medalists at Henley Royal Regatta. Although his Henley campaign ended with an unfortunate loss to Shiplake on the Saturday, Edward has firmly established himself as one of the top U19 coxes heading into the summer international season. With his experience in Eton’s high-level program, he brings valuable insight and skill to the eight.
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