The Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup will allow all junior rowers, whether rowing for their school or club, to compete in the world famous event from 2023.
Following yesterday’s General Meeting, the Stewards of Henley Royal Regatta announced changes to the blue riband junior sweep event which sees it align itself with the Prince Philip Challenge Trophy, Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup and the Fawley Challenge Cup.
This long awaited change will be welcomed by clubs up and and down the U.K. but also crews across countries such as the United States of America with clubs often topping the junior rankings at the Head of the Charles Regatta.
Chairman of the Regatta Sir Steve Redgrave said: ““I’m delighted that we have equal opportunities across our junior events for all young rowers and scullers.”
While the P.E will open its doors wider in 2023 athletes will need to wait until 2024 for age restrictions to reflect the other junior events.
As things stand in the P.E, “No one shall compete who will have attained his nineteenth birthday by the end of the Regatta.”
This will be amended to: “No one shall compete who will have attained his eighteenth birthday before the first day of September preceding the event.”
It was also announced that 2024 will be Sir Steve’s last at the helm.
This will see the five time Olympic champion lead for the regatta for 10 years before making way for Richard Phelps after next year’s event.
Reflecting on his time as Chair, Sir Steve said: “2022 was a really successful Regatta after all the challenges of Covid, and we are building towards another event just five months away. It has been a privilege to be Chair of Henley since 2015 and I’m excited about the prospect of the next two Regattas.”
“It is an honour and a privilege to be made Chair Elect and Steve leaves big shoes to fill. My mission will be to lead the Committee to ensure the Regatta maintains its preeminent position in the rowing and social calendar from 2024 and beyond,” said Phelps who competed at the 1992 Olympic games in the Men’s Eight.
Phelps is currently a Steward and one of the regatta’s umpires. He sits on the regatta’ committee of management and has been elected for a six year term once Sir Steve steps down.
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