Hampton is one of the few races to still offer J17 events, and this is a great opportunity for these girls to compete with others in their own year group instead of often losing out to athletes a year older than themselves. Saying that the standard is by no means lower than the J18 event, with the winners of Pairs Head of the River taking part. These J17 athletes racing will probably be looking at their times compared to the older categories, as well as a placing in their own event.
HEN- Wiggins
The obvious favourites for this event, I’m not sure these girls can be beaten. Wiggins and Morgan have won both J18 2x at Pairs Head and J18 4x at Fours head, showing they can scull exceptionally well even in the worst conditions. They have continued on their success as J16s, where they won the GB J16 trials last February in this double, and went on to win two golds in J16 4x and 8+ at National schools, finishing their season by represent GB at the GB vs France match. Come Saturday I don’t think this winning streak will be challenged, they should take the win.
MHD- Bird
A double of Maidenhead- Bird came second at national schools J16 2x last season, so there is reason to believe this Is the same or a very similar combination, meaning they should be competitive. Bird also came a respectable 7th in the single at Wallingford LDS, showing consistent results in a small boats, I think these girls will finish with a good result.
SPG- Dodd
St Pauls Girls have had some good results recently, showing the step up their senior squad has made in the recent years. Dodd won bronze in J16 8+ at National Schools last year, and more recently came 5th in the Jun 4+ at Fours Head. These are promising results, and I think their result on Saturday will mostly depend on if they can transfer their skills over to a smaller sculling boat.
Other crews to mention are HEN-Redman as although this athlete didn’t seem to be involved in the Fours head crews any girls from Henley are likely to be strong. Also NOR-Dyke who reached the semi-finals of J16 2x last year, as well as the two crews from Surbiton. SBT- Davies was part of a quad that won WIM1 4x at Kingston Head (though admittedly the only crew in their category, still a good time) and SBT-Croft who seems to be J16 but reached the semi-finals of J15 4x at national schools last season.
Prediction
HEN- Wiggins for the win. MHD- Bird in second and SPG-Dodd or HEN-Redman in third.
Good luck to all crews racing!
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