Harry Brightmore, Great Britain Men’s Eight
As a newly-minted member of a very exclusive club, Harry has to feature on this list. His exploits throughout the past three years alone make him a worthy contender, adventures which include two world titles and now an Olympic gold medal. Harry has been the driving force – pun intended – behind a British eight which has swept all before them in their singular pursuit of Parisian paradise. He has also steered Britain to European glory alongside a win at the second World Rowing Cup in late May, feats that may seem diminished under the glare of Olympic gold but still are notable and heady enough for a mention. Harry is one of the most talented coxes of his generation.
Henry Fieldman, Great Britain Women’s Eight
Henry is the first person to win an Olympic medal in both a men’s and women’s event, cementing his status forevermore as a coxing legend. His career sparkles in a similar fashion to Harry, with world titles to go alongside a Cambridge Blue earned back in 2013. The British women’s eight had a significant re-building job on its hands after the Tokyo Olympics, where they finished last. The 35-year-old has had a real impact in galvanising this group of richly-talented athletes and propelling them on to a bronze medal in Paris, alongside a host of strong performances at World Rowing Cups and world championships.
Hannah Murphy, Cambridge Women’s Eight
Having once been called ‘enigmatic’ on this platform, there was nothing remotely enigmatic about the way in which Hannah propelled her crew onto victory in the 78th edition of the Women’s Boat Race. She steered a near-perfect line that caused Oxford all sorts of issues and had a major impact on the outcome of a contest that was well-balanced up until the Hammersmith Bridge. Following that, she continued to steer the crew in a succession of domestic events that culminated in a run to the Saturday of the Island Challenge Cup.
Sarah Armstrong, Royal Chester Men’s Coxed Four
Sarah is one of the most experienced coxes on the roster, having started rowing in 1994 with the RAF when her Flight Lieutenant asked if she would like to try. Having won the Forces national sprints, she took on a new role and joined Grosvenor Rowing Club (in Chester) where she rowed and coxed. Joining Royal Chester in 2012, she made the semi-finals of the Thames Challenge Cup that year before winning the Jackson Trophy in 2023 and 2024. Her last – and most impressive – of 16 appearances at Henley Royal Regatta came this season, where she steered her four to within metres of the Britannia Challenge Cup. She was also named British Rowing Volunteer of the Year in 2014.
Victor Bocquet, St Paul’s Men’s Eight
Even if you discount the success this young man achieved through the second half of the year – collecting two national titles and a red box as part of the St Paul’s first eight – he still deserves a shout-out on this list for a stunning coxing performance at the Head of the Charles back in October. Starting 74th in their division, Victor was tasked with navigating literally dozens of crews to weave a path to victory on the notoriously complex Charles river. His deft hand on the rudder enabled his crew to take the junior pennant and laid the foundations for a phenomenal year at the Hammersmith-based institution.
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