After an exciting start to the 24/25 season, a year of fantastic and competitive racing is anticipated. From underdogs to long-term favourites, I believe the following crews will most likely bring that extra heat to the UK junior women’s racing scene in 2025.
Cambridge 99 Rowing Club – Junior 16 Double
This crew could undoubtedly be considered underdogs; they are far from experienced on even the regional scene, let alone nationally. Despite this, Cambridge 99 Rowing Club‘s recent performance at Pairs Head has people talking. Over 4.6 kilometres, they were only ten seconds slower than the previously untouchable, two-time British champions Cantabrigian Rowing Club. This would have been an impressive achievement, without taking into account that this was G. Tabaczynska and E. Grant’s first race together. After such a strong start to the season, I am excited to see what else these girls have in store.
Hartpury University and College – Junior 18 Single
In contrast, Catherine Gardner of Hartpury University and College Boat Club has a wealth of experience, and never has this been more evident than in these past few months. Taking second place at the National Schools’ Regatta last season, Gardner seems to only be improving, already having seized several incredible wins this season. She took victory by over a minute at Nottingham Head, and by 30 seconds at the GB early IDs. She is miles ahead of her most recent competitors, and as we enter the new year, I have no doubt she will now be setting her sights on the biggest junior races both nationally and internationally.
Wycliffe College Boat Club – Junior 18 Quad
When writing a preview for crews to watch out for, it is almost impossible not to mention Wycliffe College Boat Club. A school undeniably seasoned in sculling, with three athletes placing in the top 15 at Early IDs this season, Wycliffe are certainly going to put forward at least one highly competitive crew this year. Just as they have done in previous years, I would expect them to put their top athletes into a quad as early as Schools’ Head of the River, in order to be perfected by Henley Royal Regatta. With such a large squad, it’s hard to say who will make the cut for the first boat, but I’m confident that regardless of which athletes make up the crew, it will be one of the fastest boats in 2025.
Tideway Scullers School – Junior 18 Quad
One of the favourites to win the Fours Head of the River this season, Tideway Scullers School is brimming with talent and certainly one to watch in 2025. This Chiswick-based institution has seen several talented new additions to the junior girls squad this year, putting them at a substantial advantage coming into regatta season. These most notably include Jess Kerbirou, who finished fourth at GB early IDs, and Izabella Habdank-Toczyska, who raced at the Coupe de la Jeunesse last season. Habdank-Toczyska is not the only member of this club who represented Great Britain over the summer; Amalka Delevante secured silver in the junior women’s quad at the U19 World Rowing Championships. With such an array of experience, I believe they will be one of the front runners coming into 2025.
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