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.
Archie Norton
Archie Norton, representing Bath University Boat Club, already has a pedigree at the national level. Last year, he represented England at the Home International Regatta in the single and quad, winning both events. Now at Bath University – convincingly in the top ten universities in the UK for rowing – Norton will be looking to take overall victory in what is the country’s largest indoor rowing race.
Rowan Irving
In his last year at Hartpury College Boat Club, Irving, like Norton, has also raced nationally. He was in Hartpury’s quad that finished sixth at the National Schools’ Regatta last year. Although still a Junior 18, Irving has decided to row up a category, perhaps a sign of his confidence in getting a good result. He competed at BRIC last year, so he also has the experience of sitting alongside your competitors on a rowing machine.
Alex Richardson
Richardson is another rower from Hartpury College Boat Club, and also another rower who is still a Junior 18, therefore rowing up a category, competing with people up to five years his senior. Nevertheless, much like his teammate Irving, Richardson has competed at the National Schools’ Regatta, where he raced in the single. Having raced at BRIC in 2023, Richardson will be self-assured of how his race will pan out.
Notable Mentions
With a dozen or so other entries in this category, there are a lot of additional athletes who may take victory. One example is Matthew Hunter of Army Indoor Rowing Team, who is seen as a specialist on the erg, as is the tradition of the team that he rows for. Look out also for Ben Furley of Bath University Boat Club, who is one of the oldest in this category and therefore brings with him lots of experience.
Prediction
Overall, Rowan Irving is best placed to take first place, with Archie Norton probably close behind in second place. The race for third place will be interesting, with Ben Furley to pip Alex Richardson to it.
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