Image Credit: British Rowing
Great Britain’s men’s coxless four has long been its premier boat, consistently featuring the top athletes from the U19, U23, and senior sweep programs. This boat class has a storied history of success, securing numerous victories over the years. At last year’s U19 championships, the crew narrowly missed out on a medal. This year, the boat is bolstered by three returners from that same regatta, although none of them have previously competed in this boat type. Additionally, the synergy developed by three of the boys rowing together all season in the St Paul’s program positions this boat as a strong contender for the top spot in St. Catharines, Canada.
Gabriel George, Radley College (J18)
Gabriel George, the bow seat of last year’s U19 men’s eight that left Paris as world champions, has successfully transitioned to GB’s top boat in the same seat. This season, he has excelled in the stroke seat of the Radley eight, securing a Friday spot at Henley and leading the team to a silver medal at the National Schools’ Regatta. There is no doubt that he is an oarsman who makes boats move quickly and for anyone is an obvious pick.
Christian Reese, St Paul’s School (J17)
Christian Reese, sitting in the two seat and acting as a pillar of the St Paul’s eight that achieved the coveted ‘quadruple’ of schoolboy rowing, is undeniably one of the top-ranking U19 rowers in the country right now. His technical efficiency, combined with his impressive 6ft 6in stature, makes him a powerhouse on the water. The length and power he brings, particularly during the middle of the race, will significantly enhance the boat’s speed, hopefully propelling them ahead of a highly competitive field.
Alp Karadogan, St Paul’s School (J17)
Standing at 6ft 9in and boasting a 5:55 ergo, Alp Karadogan is a rowing prodigy who stepped up to the highly competitive St Paul’s first eight five seat as just a J15. His contribution to this crew is invaluable. Last year, sitting in the five-seat of the U19 eight, he provided the power needed to break away from the rest of the field and clinch the title against strong international competition. It is clear that the sky is the limit for this young athlete – Thatcher has already described as somebody who could be rowing for the senior team and is one of the most talented athletes he’s ever worked with.
Patrick Wild, St Paul’s School (J17)
With the legacy of last year’s U19 four, this year’s Olympic four, and the Project LA four all being stroked by St Paul’s alumni, Patrick Wild has huge shoes to fill. He’s an incredibly talented rower who joined Alp in the St Paul’s first eight as a J16 sitting in the six seat. After a narrow loss to Teddies in the Henley Royal Regatta final last year, Patrick stepped up to make the worlds team in the pair, showcasing his talent despite not having a notable height advantage. This year, he has already achieved the ‘quadruple,’ and an U19 gold would be the perfect way to cap off his remarkable season.
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