For those with a GB vest on their radar this year, the return to Boston for the second round of trials is fast-approaching. The first round back in November saw all the women, including prospective sweepers, tested in a single scull. This decision certainly gave those vying for places in sculling boats the advantage. Nevertheless, with women’s pairs back on the timetable next week, those with a penchant for one-oared racing in a crew boat will be keen to make every stroke count.
While a number of GB U23 household names will likely take some of the top spots, I am equally intrigued to see some of the new talent build on their November performances in a bid to upset tradition. Based on track record this season and prior, below I will outline a sample of individuals who appeared at the November trial that we might expect to see take some of the top spots once again.
Abigail Topp (Leander Club)
First up in this preview is highly experienced and decorated U23 sweeper, Abigail Topp. Based on her existing track record at Leander, which led her to make the final of the Wargrave Challenge Cup at last year’s Henley Royal Regatta, and earned her a place in the silver-medal-winning women’s eight at last year’s World Rowing U23 Championships, Topp is a firm favourite for another U23 call-up this year.
Grace Dening-Smitherman (Leander Club)
Another GB U23 alumna looking to secure a seat in the squad once again is Grace Dening-Smitherman, also hailing from Leander. Having collected a bronze medal in the coxless four at the 2022 U23 European Championships, Dening-Smitherman will be keen to build on this success by making it back into the sweep contingent this year. I would not be surprised to see her pair up with her above-mentioned teammate, Topp, in their bid to be the first U23 pair across the line.
Jessica Martin (University of London BC)
University of London Boat Club’s Jessica Martin is another U23 standout, with previous international experience that will stand her in good stead of a place in this year’s squad. Martin was part of the women’s coxless four at the 2022 U23 European Championships that came away with a bronze medal, an achievement that has undoubtedly spurred her on to trial again this season. She is among the favourites for good reason.
Phoebe Snowden (University of London BC)
The final athlete receiving an individual mention here is Phoebe Snowden, also of ULBC. With an international career that needs no introduction, including selection for the Junior GB team that went to Tokyo in the coxless four and placed seventh, it is no surprise to see her among the favourites for U23 women’s sweep contingent this year.
This weekend Snowden team’s up with Leander’s Abigail Topp in perhaps an unlikely pairing but one that could place towards the top of the pecking order for U23s.
Prediction
The athletes previewed above are but a small sample of the sheer amount of talent populating the GB hopefuls on the U23 women’s sweep scene this year. There are so many more not mentioned here who will undoubtedly be considered for selection, such as those currently rowing stateside. However, my overarching prediction for this particular trial is that the pairing of Leander’s Abigail Topp and UL’s Phoebe Snowden will likely appear in one of the top three U23 boats. The UL pairing of Martin and Dening-Smitherman may also do well plus crews from Oxford Brookes and Durham University.
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