University of Leeds athletes have set three new records following an incredible performance at the British Rowing Club Championships bringing great success for University of Leeds rowers. Finn Beattie, Con Barrett, Louise Brooks, Emily Baker and Jess Symonds all represented the University of Leeds Boat Club and brought home two gold, one silver and three bronze medals, finishing eighth out of 39 clubs overall.
Incredibly, our athletes toppled three Championship record times. Finn Beattie and Con Barrett broke the course record In the Open Beginner Single Sculls Final with a time of 07:44.72, crossing the line an unbelievable 15.65 seconds ahead of the competition. Louise Brooks, broke a further record in the semi-final of the Women’s Club Single Sculls, proudly crossing the line in 08:28.93. In addition, she won bronze in the Women’s Championship Double Sculls alongside partner Emily Baker, competing in a highly competitive field filled with excellent athletes including Oxford Cambridge Boat Race winners. Last but not least, Jess Symonds took home our final bronze in the Women’s Beginner Singles Sculls.
The majority of our athletes only started their rowing journey late last year, making all their achievements all the more impressive. All were part of the Yorkshire GB Performance Development Academy, who identify, recruit and develop individuals with no prior rowing experience to become Olympic rowers.
In addition to the team’s success at the British Rowing Club Championships, Louise Brooks represented England last weekend at the Home Countries Regatta, winning both the Women’s u23 single scull and the Women’s Quadruple Scull.
British Rowing Performance Development Coach Matt Mole was over the moon with Louise’s performance;
As the Performance Development Coach for Yorkshire, it’s been a real privilege to support Louise on her journey through the Performance Development Academy. From her very first strokes to earning her place on the England team and winning at the Home Countries Regatta. Her dedication, resilience, and constant desire to improve have stood out from day one. With the continued support of the University of Leeds and Leeds Rowing Club, I have no doubt this is just the beginning of an exciting rowing career. If you think you have got what it takes to be an Olympic Rower, please get in touch to hear more about the British Rowing Talent ID Testing!
Congratulations to all our athletes who competed, you have done Leeds Sport and the University proud.
