The women’s singles are shaping up to provide exceptional racing as some of the world’s top talent in sculling competes down the famous Charles course. Olympic Gold Medallist and Henley Winners come together in an event promising to bring a rowing masterclass to the Charles River.
Michelle Sechser, Cambridge Boat Club (US)
Stepping over the line first is one of the most famous names in Women’s lightweight rowing and women’s rowing in general, the US’s own Michelle Sechser. Sechser is a 10-time national team member and 2022 Henley winner in the women’s double – notably an openweight event. Sechser’s experience down the Charles positions her perfectly to take the best lines, which she will have rehearsed day in and day out in training. Sechser should not be overlooked as having been a lightweight racer, if all things (wind included), go her way, it could be her day.
Emma Twigg, Hawkes Bay RC (NZ)
Coming all the way from New Zealand is none other than Emma Twigg. With an impressive rowing CV, Twigg needs no introduction, having earned Gold in the 1x in Tokyo, and Silver in Paris. We will certainly be treated to an excellent performance by her in the 1x, and she may very well be in a position to secure a win if she can get her line right. Twigg sets off second behind Sechser — perhaps to her advantage as Sechler will take the best line that Twigg can follow.
Kara Kohler, California RC (US)
Kara Kohler will be third in the women’s championship single, finding herself in a field of those whom she has both raced against and trained alongside. Kohler won a bronze at the 2012 games in the 4x, and most recently placed 5th in the 1x in Paris – meaning she is no stranger to racing Emma Twigg. Setting off behind Twigg may just be the fuel that burns Kohler’s fire big enough to give her success on the day. Kohler was recruited as a walk-on to Cal, speaking to her athletic prowess and talent. She will have the banks of the Charles cheering on their familiar single sculler from Paris.
Imogen Grant, Cambridge University Boat Club (UK)
The UK’s own Imogen Grant will be racing for the light blues of Cambridge down the course this year. Off the back of an incredible gold in Paris in the Lightweight 2x with doubles partner Emily Craig, Grant will be hungry to top off the 2024 year in style with success at Charles. She is another gold medalist in this event. Craig recently began her career as a doctor, after an incredible career winning countless Boat Races and BUCS medals. Grant sets off fifth in the event behind US 4x Paris sculler Teal Cohen.
Notable Mentions
Teal Cohen, UW graduate and Paris Olympian in the 4x will set off fourth, and her 4x boat mate Grace Joyce will start 6th. Admittedly, it speaks to the depth and volume of sheer Olympic strength that rowers Teal Cohen and Grace Joyce gain a wild card mention. Although they too, bring Olympic experience, they are in a field of medalists who have been in multiple Olympic cycles — the two are the up-and-coming athletes of the generation. However, as they find themselves in this amazing mix, I would not be surprised if they turn out to outperform some of their competition to prove their place and earn their spot again for an upcoming cycle, proving their grit might be worth more than a strong CV.
Prediction
Secsher certainly has experience on her side when it comes to the Charles, but it’s truly hard not to mention Twigg or Grant for a gold medal spot. With this in mind, I believe when taking into account the predicted headwind, Emma Twigg will clinch gold, leaving the lighties to battle for the remaining podium spots.
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