Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club finished 2022 with a trip to Walton-on-Thames, to compete at Walton Small Boats Head last weekend.
The harsh weather did not dampen the spirits of the junior athletes competing and fantastic performances were achieved across the board.
Carter Horrix and Louis Sheasby continued their exemplary year by winning the OJ15 double sculls category, followed by two podiums in their single sculls event, with Carter winning the category and Louis 3rd.
Shanklin’s winning continued in the form of Esme Walters and Frances Katirewa in band 3 of the Women’s open doubles category, who claimed the victory by a fine margin after a tough race, with Frances finishing in seventh spot her first head race in a single scull.
Beth Katirewa then teamed up with Esme Walters to come 7th in the Women’s J17 double sculls category in a competitive field, with Beth also finishing 8th in her J16 single sculls race, again competing in a single for the first time.
In addition to this, Shanklin also achieved solid results in the J17 Men’s categories, with Ollie Hatch and Arlo Adds coming a respectable 6th place in the double sculls, whilst Ollie himself finished 8th in the single.
The weekend also saw Layla Katirewa secure the top spot for the year 8 girl’s event in British Rowing’s inaugural festival of indoor rowing.
This capped off a record breaking year for the club which saw them secure two victories at the British Junior championships, three Hants & Dorset championships, Kayleigh Batchelor represent GB and recognition for coaches Garry and Lesley Walters who won the Hants & Dorset coach of the year award.
