Due to supplementary entries still being open, JRN does not have the official draw for Christmas Regatta 2024; however, here are some crews which, based on past performances and current information, we expect to enter and perform well in this event.
Following a strong performance at the KRI Club Regatta, one can hardly look beyond the scullers out of King’s College and St Paul’s Collegiate School to take the win in the girl’s U18 singles. Across the storied 2km Karapiro course, there will undoubtedly be drama as several strong scullers take to battle this weekend.
King’s College Rowing Club
With a strong girl’s squad this season, the King’s girls will undoubtedly be eyeing up the single sculls, along with several other strong competitors. After strong finishes in the KRI Club Regatta in both the women’s club single and the U18 single, there will definitely be a feeling within the squad to look to dominate this event. The depth of scullers is evident, with Bella Firman finishing in second place in the U18 event while teammate Ione Eadie finished in third in the club event. Moreover, Eadie’s strong performance in the girl’s U16 single at the Aon Maadi Cup, placing second, will make her a strong competitor for this event.
St Paul’s Collegiate School
With a clean sweep in all her events, the sculler out of St Paul’s: Zara Brangwynne is no doubt the favourite to win the event. Placing first in all heats and finals in the U18 single, double and quad, she will be looking to dominate this event. Not only that, she took the win in the single in ruthless style, claiming gold by over 14 seconds. With a silver medal in the U17 double at the Maadi earlier this year, she is in an extremely favourable position with strong placings in many boat classes.
Backing up her double partner, Olivia Waddell will be eyeing up this event as well. Finishing not far off Firman in the U18 single at the KRI Club Regatta, Waddell will be looking to improve on her time from the previous regatta. With wins in the quad and double already this year, she is a strong contender for the podium at this regatta. What also cannot be underestimated is her background, being the daughter of Olympic gold medallist Rob Waddell, who is, of course, also a two-time world champion in the single sculls.
Predictions
For me, it seems likely that Brangwynne from St Paul’s will be difficult to shake due to her immense pedigree in so many boat classes, and an utterly dominant display in the U18 sculling events. She will likely be followed by Eadie from King’s. For bronze, it is difficult to predict with so many close results, but it could go either way to King’s, St Paul’s or Waikato Diocesan.
About The Author
Discover more from JRN
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
