The path to representing Great Britain for the 21/22 season is still going strong. For this water assessment, similar to the first in November, all trialists must complete an erg prior to being allowed to race. The difference is this erg is a five kilometre test and is club-based. The cut-off times for the lightweight women is 18:40 for seniors, and 19:30 for U23’s. The added excitement for this particular time trial is that members of the GBRT have to race too, meaning many of these girls will be able to compare themselves to the top dogs. Overall, we saw four seniors racing and five U23s with four of these being U21. A drop in numbers from the November trial most likely due to athletes being unable to hit the cut-off times.
Imogen Grant
Coming in first was Imogen Grant of Cambridge University, maintaining her position of first during the GB trails process. Recently being confirmed as being in the Cambridge Blue Boat for the all important Boat Races of 2022, it’s likely that Imogen will enjoy the mix of sculling and sweep work and it seems to be paying off for her water speed.
Emily Craig
Following in behind was Emily Craig of the University of London. Famously being the other half to the Women’s Lightweight Double to race at the Olympics with Imogen Grant. After having some time off due to a heavy racing schedule last summer, Emily has made a large impact on the trials assessment.
Maddie Arlett
Maddie Arlett came in third representing Edinburgh University. The final Olympic lightweight going out to Tokyo as the spare. Comfortably in third, Maddie will be looking to improve on this and I’m sure we will see some hot racing between Imogen, Emily and Maddie over the coming assessments and into the summer regattas.
Laura Macro
Rowing for Dart Totnes ARC, Laura Macro came in a strong fourth position. As the fourth senior woman, perhaps a strong senior quad could be made to take on senior World’s and European’s along with the top domestic regattas and perhaps even Henley Royal Regatta. This could be a very exciting and interesting quad to watch.
U23s
In fifth place saw Lauren Maddison for Reading University, and also the quickest U23. Being marked as the quickest U23, Lauren will be aiming for representation at the U23 World’s and European’s over this coming summer. Perhaps a double would be created along with Annabelle Ruinet from Marlow RC who managed to place sixth, also taking the title as the quickest U21.
Summary
Overall, an interesting set of time trial results with some exciting opportunities for crews to be created coming into the 2022 regattas. The placing of Imogen, Emily, Maddie and Laura are as predicted, however curious as to where Olivia Bates of Nottinghamshire County RC has gone as she managed to put in some quick times for the 2km and time trial in November, along with the Kennedy twins from the University of Surrey. Perhaps they were unable to make the cut off time, perhaps there are some injuries? This could prove to cause some excitement come the next set of testing. A strong set of times from the lightweight representation and I’m sure I can speak on everyones behalf when I say we are all excited to see what is to come.
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