With the February junior trials happening up in Boston this weekend, we thought we’d take a look at the guys with two blades, and our tips for speed on both the men and women’s side.
- Josh Armstrong
World champion, youth single sculls victor at the Head of the Charles and Henley Royal Regatta semi-finalist, stock doesn’t come much more thoroughbred than Josh Armstrong. Taught the ways of the water by Iain Somerside, Josh’s rise to the top of junior sculling has been unobstructed and devastating. He’ll certainly be favourite to take the win this weekend, as the only returner of Great Britain’s first ever world champion junior men’s quad.
- 2.
Gregor Duncan
- A returning world’s oarsman who has swapped the brutality of sweep for the fluidity of sculling, Gregor has put in a number of notable performances this season. Having made the decision to turn to sculling, he’ll be looking to finish highly to convince selectors of his merit. A worthy competitor and a fantastic oarsman to boot.
- 3.
James Mawby
- An exceptionally strong athlete, with bags of potential. James raced in the Nottingham quad which reached the final of the Fawley Challenge Cup in 2015, and provided real horse-power in the middle of the boat. His ergo scores will certainly serve him well in the latter stages of the process, but he’ll have to compensate strength for technique in the complex pursuit of sculling efficiency.
- 4.
Rory Harris
- Another athlete with international pedigree, Rory is a returner from the team which competed at the Coupe De La Jeunesse. His performance at Early ID’s in November showed him to be a definite contender for a spot in the team this summer, and his progression under Mark Woodcock will be one to watch closely.
- 5.
Harry Oliver
- Harry has been knocking around the sculling scene for some time now, and he’ll be looking to secure a berth at the peak of junior rowing; the world championships. His domestic racing has been strong this year, with some excellent head performances, and I think he’s a shoo-in for a spot on the team. Question is, which section will it be?
- 6.
Georgie Grant
- The winner of the Early ID’s, and one of our best hopes for the summer. She’s been causing a stir since her double with Grace MacDonald recorded a series of impressive results at national level. She raced at the junior world championships last summer, and will be hoping to finish higher than her sixth place in 2015.
- 7.
Lola Anderson
- Surbiton’s finest export and another athlete with excellent international pedigree. She raced in the women’s quad at the Coupe De La Jeunesse and won gold in the GB France match in 2014. Her strength will be a key asset in the squad, and her superior ergo scores will be music to the ears of GB selectors.
- 8.
Lucy Glover
- A brilliant sculler, whose skill in the single is well documented. However, it is her ability in crew boats which will make her invaluable in the summer. Lucy can make any crew go fast, as proved by the speed of the Warrington junior women’s quad. Lucy won Henley Women’s Regatta and will be looking to hammer home her status as one of GB’s brightest young talents.
- 9.
Hattie Orr
- It’s difficult to choose between the Orr sisters, but I’m plumping for Hattie. She’s got a wealth of experience, having won multiple national golds alongside her crew-mates, and she’ll be looking to convert this domestic success into international representation.
- 10.
Sheyi Blackett
- Having raced at the Home International Regatta in 2015, Sheyi will be eyeing the next stage with fervent anticipation. Racing for Reading Rowing Club, who have a history of producing world class athletes, it means she has great support and a firm foundation yo build upon. Her third placed finish at the Early ID’s sets her up perfectly for this weekend.
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