For an athlete, the ultimate race consists of perfect conditions, tough competition, and a highly regarded racing environment, and whilst no race can ever promise all three, Hampton year on year ensures all those competing experience the latter two. This year, the J16 singles are, as ever, out in force, all desperate to lay claim to the one precious medal up for grabs. But with such a diverse field of scullers, who will be jostling for the top spot?
Wycliffe Junior Rowing Club – Mulligan
Our first contender for the treasured medal at Hampton this weekend will be Mulligan of Wycliffe Junior Rowing Club. He first showed his ability this season at Reading but made no appearance at Wallingford. As such we failed to see his full talent until he stretched his wings at Henley, taking the crown at Henley only two weekends ago; so if his recent track record is anything to go on, Hampton should be an opportunity for Mulligan to fly down the river and test himself against those he missed at Wallingford.
Wycliffe Junior Rowing Club – Loch
Our next candidate for this year’s title also didn’t appear at Wallingford, but he rows alongside Mulligan at Wycliffe. Loch came in just behind his counterpart placing second at Henley, having come back from a fifth-place finish at Reading. Wycliffe seem to be producing top quality scullers, who seem to be peaking at this point in the season, so it is highly possible that Loch could be looking at a high place finish this weekend.
Star and Arrow – Grainge
As if in a neat descending order, our third athlete posted a respectable third at Henley, coming behind our two scullers from Wycliffe. Grainge of Star and Arrow first made headlines this season after his storming win at Wallingford, he looks to have dropped slightly at Henley, so it will be interesting to see how he fairs in such a competitive cohort at Hampton.
Magdalen College School Boat Club – Pullinger
Having swooped into a second place finish behind Grainge at Wallingford, Pullinger of Magdalen College School Boat Club should be looking to rank high this weekend. His performance in an already tough field at Wallingford will be tested further, however, as he seeks to dominate a field of nearly 50 scullers.
Henley Rowing Club – O’Connor
Last, but by no means least, is O’Connor from Henley Rowing Club. Whilst his performances in the finishing tables have perhaps not been top end, he has shown greater consistency than other athletes. For example, placing fifth at Wallingford, and a little lower at henley in seventh. Whilst O’Connor may not be first in line for the medal, he is sure to throw a spanner or two in the works this weekend.
Predictions
Any one of these scullers would be capable of taking the crown if the conditions were in their favour, however, with such a large group of rowers, it would be foolish to believe that others won’t pull the occasional surprise out of the bag.
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