Henley Women’s Regatta is first and foremost a celebration of international women’s sport, celebrating our sport from ‘juniors to university and club to international level’. Although the event will not draw its usual international interest, the added pressure of one-to-one duels down the booms, will certainly compensate the excitement, especially as this will be a new format to many juniors racing. With 27 entries into the Junior Women’s Single Scull, the field will be varied but exciting, as unfamiliar names traverse the infamous course- let’s hope their steering is up to scratch!
Tideway Scullers School
Firstly, upon examining the draw I was instantly drawn to the Tideway Sculler’s entry of Zoe Scheske. The formidable athlete has set phenomenal standards in her single scull, being (to my knowledge) unbeaten, with significant victories at 2019 GB November Early ID water trials as a J17 as well as the current junior GB standings. Interestingly, despite proving her worth in a more than respectable Tideway Quad, the crew seems to have been scrapped in favour of Scheske’s single. Surely this decisive move from the coaching team only promotes the certain success of Scheske.
Nottingham County RA
Another athlete who has proved her worth, even in the limited 2021 season, is Nottingham County’s Anna Shaw. She has showcased a daunting level of fitness and race strategy after winning the B-Final of the International’s Cup after placing 12th in the time trial. Although not much is known about Shaw, she represents Nottingham County Rowing Association, which in its short existence, has generated a reputation as a premier centre for Junior Rowing in the North, following gold in the Fox Tankard at National Schools. Her fitness and backing will prove dividend over the racing weekend.
Warrington Rowing Club
Elle Kadir of Warrington Rowing Club is a further National Schools’ returner, after placing 12th in the tight field. She races in the footsteps of Warrington alumni and GB sculler Lucy Glover, and has already displayed strength following an array of powerful ergo tests under the GB trailing system. Kadir may only be J17, but will undoubtedly bring her tenacity to the table.
Now, It is hard to discuss the remaining field, simply because so little is known about them.
For instance, Ella Fullman and Milan Wilson of Wycliffe and Agecroft respectively have both shown promise in recent results. We know Fullman to be a J16 athlete, however this did not restrain her from placing an impressive 2nd at Metropolitan Regatta, despite racing up into the J18 category, certainly age will not phase her on the day. Alike to the Wycliffe sculler, Wilson will return to racing with an ambition to better her 16th at NSR. Both athletes represent growing centres of talent and will bring fresh blood onto the prestigious scene.
Entries from Reading, Peterborough and Newark (among many others) will further enrich the competition, while well-known names compete in bigger boats at the regatta. The Junior Women’s Single will showcase all abilities and tribute young girls in sport.
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