If you mentioned rowing to a non-rower, they would probably remember using a rowing machine at their local gym once. This anecdote shows how indoor rowing is well-ingrained in the public conscience. Therefore, this year, the British Rowing Indoor Championships in Birminghamare bound to help expand rowing’s presence to new and unfamiliar faces. With a 30% increase in participants from last year, the U23 Open category sees 17 entries, allowing for highly competitive racing.
George Coates
Coates, rowing for Hartpury College Boat Club, is one of the standout rowers in this age category. He is well-experienced at national rowing, having been part of the Hartpury quad that finished sixth at the National Schools’ Regatta last year. In addition, he represented Wales at the Home International Regatta, racing in the quad. Having raced at BRIC last year, he pulled a very strong time, finishing in the top five, which will be a boost for him to take overall victory this time round.
Gus Goode
Representing The Grange School at BRIC, Goode also raced last year, where he enjoyed a top ten position. Now, as a Junior 18, he will be looking to put in a strong result and live up to his past results, which include winning the Junior 16 quads event at the British Rowing Junior Championships in 2023.
Louis Sheasby
Sheasby is only a J17 racing for Hartpury College Boat Club, yet he has achieved many accolades. Last year, he went to the annual GB vs France match, where he won in the double. He followed this up a week later by winning the Junior 16 double category at the British Rowing Junior Championships. With this being his first time racing at BRIC, the possibility of Sheasby winning could be a reality.
Predictions
It is hard to look beyond George Coates to take first place at BRIC 2024, but Louis Sheasby will likely be very close behind in second. As for third, Gus Goode will take it, but look out for the likes of Alex Repton, also of Hartpury College Boat Club, and Daniel Wilson of Shiplake College.
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