The Championship Singles event for Henley Women’s Regatta 2023 sees 16 boats entered with a reduction to eight after the time trial. A number of surprise entries are on the roster, alongside some international scullers and mainstays of domestic sculling. Expect some fascinating match ups over the weekend as the singles navigate the bounce and booms of the 1500 metre stretch.
Brisbane & GPS Rowing Club: K. Morris + Canberra Rowing Club: C. Grzeskowiak
It is always hard to know how the international entrants will fare in this event. Morris placed third in the ‘B’ final at the Australian Championships in April whilst Grzeskowiak has a strong history in sculling. A four-time Australian underage national champion and Senior National Champion in 2019, she won a World Cup bronze medal in the quad in 2019. It is difficult to judge what Grzeskowiak’s current form looks like, but her CV speaks for itself and she cannot be underestimated. Morris has limited results since April but would not be making the trip if she did not fancy herself to be in contention. Keep an eye on these Australian scullers.
University of London: G. Robinson Ranger
Robinson Ranger returns to a sculling boat, having spent February to May sweeping. Her ineligibility for the Island Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta (having won an U23 Worlds medal) rules her out of UL’s sweep boats, hence her return to sculling. She will only have been back in a single a month, having raced most recently in British Rowing’s winning development four at Wedau Regatta in Duisburg, but will have benefitted from time away on training camp since. Robinson-Ranger is no stranger to the single, after racing it at the U23 Worlds in 2019. If she can regain this form and speed she will be a force to be reckoned with.
Upper Thames Rowing Club: R. Siddorn
A surprise entry in this event is Ruth Siddorn for Upper Thames. Siddorn spent the first half of the season at Leander and was part of their winning Head of the Charles crew. Siddorn has plenty of experience in sculling boats, placing fifth at the U23 Worlds in 2018 and 14th at Senior Worlds in 2019 in the double. Her pedigree cannot be underestimated but having taken time out this season it is unknown what her current form and fitness is like.
University of Birmingham: K. Mole
Mole looks to be one of the favourites for this event. Heavily experienced in the single, she placed seventh at final trials in April and more recently has been racing in crew boats, placing second and third respectively at Wedau Regatta in the double and winning Met Regatta last weekend. The medical student continues to defy the odds and produce impressive results despite limited time on the water. She will be aiming to get the win that has so far eluded her at Henley Women’s, having placed second last year in the double. Known for her fast start and stubbornness, it is hard to look past her at least making the final.
Cambridge University: F. Keto
Cambridge student Keto enters this event having already had some impressive results this season. After winning the Boat Race in March she had an impressive BUCS Regatta, placing second in the Championship single, beating Mole into third. Last weekend she placed second at Met Regatta and will be confident heading into this weekend. Part of the Brown crew that did the Henley Women’s and Henley Royal double in 2022, she is no stranger to success between the booms and will want to continue to demonstrate her versatility across boat classes.
Prediction
This event is hard to call and I expect some close racing, especially in the latter stages of the event. It would be unsurprising to see a final of Mole versus Keto, replicating their BUCS showdown. If this is the case, I expect Mole to take revenge and finally take a Henley Women’s title.
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