Subsequent to the first instalment of the U23 women’s sweep trails in mid-November, February twelfth saw the return of many of the same athletes to Boston to tackle a 5km time trial in pairs. As we move one step closer to the end of the trialing process, it offers another chance to gain rare insight into how the athletes are progressing and who’s on track for selection.
Abigail Topp
It comes as no surprise that Leander Club continues to dominate the results table. At trials in November, Leander occupied seven out of the top ten positions and now, three months later, that number has amazingly grown to eight. With regards to U23 athletes, Abigail Topp is one to watch, having secured thirteenth place in February and seventh at November trials. Topp’s past impressive performance comes as no surprise given her success at Junior World Championships in 2019 where she came first in the B final of the Women’s Junior Pairs.
Sarah Portsmouth
Cambridge University’s Sarah Portsmouth, partner of Bronya Sykes, is certainly an athlete to watch after these set of trials. Placing four places above any other crew with an U23 athlete, it’ll be interesting to see how Portsmouth fairs for the rest of the trialing process given her success on the water so far.
Phoebe Snowden
Moreover, University of London’s pair of Phoebe Snowden and Emily Lindberg also positions itself as a strong crew placing fourteenth. Snowden is another of the talented athletes to watch, having placed third in the B final of the Junior Women’s Four at the Junior World Rowing Championships 2019.
Maia Hely & Laura McKenzie
These two athletes from Glagsow University BC put in a strong showing to rank as the top fully U23 pair at this set of trials. Having missed the November trials this pairing have jumped onto the scene and placed themselves in a strong position to be invited to the final trials in April.
Athletes from Oxford Brookes
Lastly, Oxford Brookes continue to supply a wealth of athletes that are eligible for U23 and U21 in this round of trials. With the pairs of Bowers & Furness and Birtles & Richards occupying eighteenth and twentieth places it’s clear that Brookes are laying the strong foundations for the years of trials to come.
Summary
Overall, February trials continued along the positive trajectory established in November trials, with a wealth of athletes continuing to progress through the system for the chance to represent their country. With strong performances all around on the water, it’ll be interested to see how each athletes fairs when it’s time for the next erg test.
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