Cover Credit: Team GB
This is your JRN Weekly briefing covering the developments of the last week in three key areas. If you have a story to share, contact our news desk at juniorrowingnews@gmail.com
Covid-19 Update:
“We will come through this all the faster and the United Kingdom will emerge stronger than ever before.”
A week of mixed emotions this week as the PM announced the birth of his son, while the health services have struggled repeatedly to reach the 100,000 tests a day target.
Amidst rumours of the lockdown “exit strategy,” the Prime Minister addressed the nation upon his return to Number 10 on Monday, having won his own battle with coronavirus. In his speech, Mr Johnson said that we have “so far collectively shielded our NHS.” A sentiment echoed by Stephen Powis at Sunday’s press conference where he was pressed by reporters on claims the NHS Nightingale Hospitals had been built in error. “Absolutely 100% not,” was the clear response.
Mr Gove, the minister leading the latest press conference, confirmed that businesses could be asked to stager the working hours of employees once the lockdown begins to end, as many suspect that social distancing measures will be in place for the foreseeable future.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster went on to explain that we could see “localised” restrictions in the coming months, having stressed that the UK – particularly London – has passed the peak of the pandemic. Mr Gove, like many officials this week, has delivered the news that the nation has passed through the first phase of Coronavirus response, but that a coordinated effort would be required to suppress a second peak.
The Cabinet minister said the PM will publish “His comprehensive plan” next week, which “will explain how we can get our economy moving, how we can get our children back to school, how we can travel to work more safely, and how we can make life in the workplace safer. “
He emphasised that before any of this can take place, however, that all five of the government’s tests must be met.
There was some news to unite most of the country this week: The birth of the latest addition to the Symonds-Johnson household: Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson. The first names are a tribute the couple’s grandfathers, whilst Nicholas is in honour of the two doctors who reportedly saved Mr Johnson’s life whilst he remained in ICU battling Covid-19.
Ms Symonds posted a photo of her with Wilfred on her Instagram account saying “I couldn’t be happier. My heart is full.”
The couple received many congratulations from across parties in the UK, and from leaders across the globe. The new leader of the Labour Party, Sir Kier Starmer, was amongst the first to congratulate the couple hailing the birth “wonderful news”, whilst Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Queen had sent private congratulations to the Prime Minister and his Fiancé.
Bundles of baby joy couldn’t defend the PM all week though, and despite meeting the UK’s 100,000 tests a day target on the last day of April many have begun to question whether such a target is medically beneficial amid calls that such a number is purely a political smoke-screen.
The wider health community experienced frustration this week as the World Health Organisation announced that once again individuals are testing positive for Covid-19 not due to the presence of the virus, but instead as a result of dead lung cells.
Further afield, Iran announced that a small number of Mosques will reopen as of Monday, after nearly 2 months of closure whilst in Germany churches saw a congregation for Sunday mass yesterday for the first time since lockdown began.
Russia has seen a dramatic increase in cases over the last 48 hours, with an additional 10,633 cases confirmed on Sunday. Meanwhile, Mr Trump has accused US congresspersons of playing politics in a tweet that followed a cross-party statement declining the offer for 100 rapid Coronavirus tests.
British Rowing:
“…this decision places Cambridge University high-performance rowing in a very strong position for the future.“
A busy few days in the domestic rowing sphere saw Cambridge University announce that its clubs will combine to form one high performance programme, while clubs across the nation began to organise virtual regattas on E-races as lockdown training becomes the new norm.
British Rowing continued to publish a range of content this week such as remote training and coaching ideas, alongside an interview with Tom Jeffery in the next instalment of their Meet the Team series. Another member of the British Team has made headlines nationally this week for a very different reason, as Dr Polly Swann announced her return to the NHS part-time to support the efforts of health professionals, alongside her continuing commitment to training from home.
The big news this week, however, came on Monday with the announcement that Cambridge University are to combine their three current clubs to form one high performance-programme to operate under the banner of Cambridge University Boat Club (CUBC).
The new CUBC Chair-elect, Annamarie Phelps told of the long process that has led to this landmark move. In a statement related by Cambridge University, she said “After last year’s dominating performances across the Boat Races this is a huge step forward for the future of rowing at Cambridge University. Bringing all our talented student athletes, staff and alumni together into a single organisation is a once in a generation opportunity to create a modern, sustainable and successful new club that is truly fit for the future. huge thanks to all those who have led this work and to the members who have voted for a bright new, light blue, future.”
Sunday was a solemn day for many as the reality of a summer without racing hit home, with Twitter being the host for this year’s Wallingford Regatta, as athletes and volunteers alike shared their memories from regattas past, along with a stop-motion video that put a smile on the faces of many disappointed would-be competitors.
E-racing has seen a surge in popularity over the past months, with a plethora of events being announced to cover the gap left by the regatta season. To hear more on this, head on over to this week’s podcast episode, available Tuesday.
International Rowing:
Great Britain’s winning day in World Rowing (Fantasy) Cup II
For those who miss the thrills of international racing, rest assured World Rowing are on the case with their series of Fantasy World Rowing events that have seen GB rise to the top of the international stage once again.
World rowing also released the results of a new project “colour in our world of rowing” that includes pages of printable designs meant to be coloured in by those having isolate to stay in touch with the big names and values of our sport.
Back over at the second World Rowing Fantasy Cup and Great Britain were on top form. Across the 9 events raced, the Brits were declared winners in four events, and runner up in a fifth. A notable highlight was the Redgrave-Pinsent who beat the Sinkovic brothers to a win in the Men’s pair.
Globally, records on the erg continued to tumble this week with Germany’s Olli Zeidler setting a new World Record for the Men’s 30 Minute with an astonishing 9577 metres. Down under, Meanwhile, Australia’s Georgie Rowe set 4 new World Records with the 19-29 half and full marathons, 4 minute and 5K races.
That’s all for this week’s briefing. Be sure to tune in next week for the latest news, advice, and analysis.
Until then, catch the latest episodes of our podcast here, and keep up with content from across our team on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Stay Safe
Ed Evans
Opinions Editor
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