For the lightweight women’s trials this 2022/23 season we have a total of 23 athletes competing. Three are senior, and so will need to obtain a sub 7:15 ergometer score on the Saturday to be able to progress to the Sunday water-based time trial. 19 are U23 and so will require a sub 7:25 ergo score to progress, five of these girls are also U21 meaning they will be “entered for Sunday unless their ergometer performance is clearly well below the standard.” Also, as this year is not an Olympic year, then all the girls which wish to be selected for representation must be present unless with medical absence. Considering this, we have some incredibly strong competition which will in turn offer us amazing racing and results.
Imogen Grant (Cambridge University BC)
Representing Cambridge University, and having plenty of GB vests already under her belt, it is certain that Imogen will be winning this first round of trials. After putting a performance in this time last year and winning, she’ll be looking to keep the title as quickest lightweight woman. For selection she will be wanting seats at Worlds, the Wold Cups as well as Europeans and any other races the national team might compete in.
Emily Craig (University of London BC)
Racing for the University of London, and having previously had multiple successes in the lightweight double with Imogen at international and national events, Emily will be strong both on the erg as well as the water. The weather for Sunday on the water looks fairly windy and so she’ll be using her experience to help her stay at the top of the leader board.
Maddie Arlett (Edinburgh University BC)
Having participated at the 2021 Olympics as the lightweight spare, Maddie, representing Edinburgh University will be keen to keep up her impressive scores on the erg and water. Having also nipped into the double and put in strong performances in her single at a world level event, Maddie will have no issue in laying down a good score.
Olivia Bates (Nottinghamshire County RA)
From Nottinghamshire County Rowing Association, Olivia Bates representing Great Britain this year at both U23 Worlds and U23 European Championships, will be wanting to start off her first senior year on the same standards. Unfortunately, Olivia had to pull out of U23 Worlds B final due to injury but managed to medal at Europeans. With a lower cut off erg score to achieve, she will be more focused and determined, but I am sure she’ll progress and leave wakes on the water on Sunday.
U23s
For the under 23 selection this year we have some returning big names such as Lily Young, who impressed everyone last year with a strong erg score representing Edinburgh University. Lara Brittain for Reading University BC, who trialled and represented Germany last year, is trying her luck at Great Britain vests for this 2022/23 season. Along with Lauren Maddison also at Reading University, having gone to U23 World Championships in the lightweight double, and also winning bronze in the U23 European lightweight double with Annabelle Ruinet, who this year is trialling under the Twickenham Rowing Club colours.
Predictions
Overall, I predict the top three girls to be Imogen Grant, Emily Craig and then Maddie Arlett for which a double and single will be selected to race. For the U23 representation I think it would be exciting to see a double and single consisting of Lily Young, Lauren Maddison and Annabelle Ruinet. I believe this years trialists will be a strong set of girls, all hoping to be selected for the Great Britain team. Best of luck!
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