On the 15th of April, the 2021-22 trialists will have one final chance to prove why they should be selected to wear a GB vest as the summer sees international racing kick off. Unlike the previous two sets of trials, athletes must be invited by selectors, based on their previous performances and the time that they can pull for a 2km ergo test. Another key difference is that athletes will now race side by side over a 2km distance at the GB rowing centre at Caversham, as opposed to the 5km time trial format in Boston, Lincolnshire.
Given the relatively small cohort, it is expected that the majority of the U23 female scullers who raced in November and February will have received an invite to race at Caversham. The shorter distance may provide those who previously felt disappointed with their result a chance to show selectors that they can fight with the top dogs.
With significantly more experience, as well as consistently placing in the top two, I would expect Georgina Robinson Ranger and Vwaire Obukohwo to take the top two U23 places in Sunday’s final. Assuming this is the case, the two could make a formidable double going for the U23 World Championships in Varese. Georgie, the current ULBC and former Henley RC sculler, has a strong experience of international racing having competed at the Junior World Championships and at the U23 European Rowing Championships last year. Vwaire has come through the World Class Start programme in Twickenham and really announced her presence in the domestic rowing scene last summer with strong results at BUCS and at Henley Women’s.
Amy Furlonger is also one to watch given her third-place result back in February. Following behind these three, the remainder of the U23 trialists are all quite ‘young’ so it will be interesting to see how well they can handle their nerves over three days of side-by-side racing to deliver their best possible performance.
With a time trial and semi-final preceding the final, it is also important that athletes consider how to pace themselves over the weekend. Whilst emptying the tank in the time trial may seem a good way to earn a top place going into the semi-finals, others may find that it pays to be a little more conservative on Friday, before putting down their most competitive performances over the weekend.
Whichever way the results go, the 2021-22 female U23 scullers have produced extremely impressive results throughout the season, with competitive times and surprise results. There have been some consistent top performers, but it has been incredibly exciting to see fresh talent being competitive with seasoned international athletes. Best of luck to all of the scullers racing!
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