While not technically the top singles event at the regatta, the Women’s Intermediate Single is a breeding ground for many up-and-coming talents as they make their way through their student careers and beyond. This year is no different with some familiar names on the start sheet along with plenty others hoping to create an upset.
Phoebe Hayden
Right at the top of the entry list and representing Bath University is Phoebe Hayden. Part of Bath’s World Class Start squad, Hayden is a talented athlete who certainly has potential to progress beyond this level. Last year she finished third in the same event and this time around she will surely have her sights on one thing, gold.
Lucy Barnard
One of three scullers from Edinburgh University in this event, Barnard finished fourth in the B final of this event last year. She was in Edinburgh’s third eight for WeHoRR, perhaps not indicating top form although Edinburgh’s depth is impressive this year. Her teammates Olivia Bell and Victoria MacAskill will push her hard and provide an interesting internal battle.
Laura McKenzie
This Glasgow University athlete is one half of the impressive pair who have performed so well at trials so far this year gaining an invite to final trials and placing themselves among the top U23 athletes in the country. McKenzie has demonstrated her small boat ability in the pair however we will soon find out if she is able to transfer this speed into the single.
Katherine Watson
With the advantage of racing on home water, the Nottingham sculler Watson will have an advantage which should not be underestimated at a venue where the conditions so often play a part in the results. Finishing sixth in the A final of this event last year she is back for more and with an extra year of training under her belt will presumably be aiming for a medal.
Grace MacDonald
In perhaps an administrative error, MacDonald is listed on the entries for both the Women’s Intermediate and Championship Single categories. It’s possible that with the 100% substitutions policy we may see someone else competing in either of these events although for a small club like St. George’s this is unlikely. MacDonald finished fourth in this event last year as she made her return to the sport after a period out. Should the former Oxford Brookes athlete opt to compete in this category again she is one to watch out for.
Prediction
As with all the intermediate events there is the caveat of such a volume of entries that it can be hard to tell where the quality is, especially as we have not seen the majority of these athletes compete in this boat class so far this season. Scullers entered from Reading, Surrey, St. Andrews and Queen’s all warrant a mention.
My guess at the top three is Hayden to win, McKenzie second and MacDonald third – provided she takes part.
BUCS Images credit: Drew Smith
Drew Smith Photography
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