International GB Rowing Success for King’s Pupils

Sixth Form students Alice B and Luke B are celebrating after both being called up to represent Great Britain U19 Rowing squads where they raced at some of the most prestigious international regattas this summer.  

This was 18-year-old Luke’s first cap for Great Britain after he was selected for the Boy’s U19 Quad Sculls at the prestigious Coupe de la Jeunesse International Regatta, which took place in Castrelo de Mino, Spain earlier this month. 

15 European nations entered a team at the Regatta where Luke and his crew won their first heat in the quad with an exciting finish coming from behind. The quad eventually finished fifth in the final after an incredibly close race for second to fifth place. 

Luke commented, “It was thrilling to be racing against some of the fastest crews in Europe. I feel so lucky to have been part of the rowing programme at King’s and owe everything to the coaching team that has supported me from my first wobbly attempts in Lower Remove to encouraging me through the final gruelling steps of the GB rowing crew formation.’

Following on from her golden GB rowing debut at the Munich International Regatta earlier in the year, 17-year-old Alice was selected for the Great Britain U19 Junior World Championship squad. Alice spent five gruelling days going through the selection process at The National Water Sports Centre before heading to the World Championships in Varese, Italy at the end of July. Alice’s hard work paid off when she and her U19 Women’s Eight claimed the silver medal at the event. 

 Alice said, “I am thrilled to have been selected to represent GB rowing at worlds after such a long and challenging trials process. Winning a silver medal was a great conclusion to my time rowing at King’s. It has been fantastic to work alongside and learn from such skilled athletes and coaches and has put me in a good position for my future rowing. I am so grateful to the Boathouse community at school for supporting me through this process, especially Will and Jim, my coaches and my fellow crew mates.” 

Head of Rowing, Jim Chalmers commented, “Luke and Alice, our Captains, have been an inspiration to all in the Boat Club and to see them represent Great Britain at the very pinnacle of junior rowing was magnificent. They have worked incredibly hard throughout the gruelling selection process and balanced their academic pursuits, serving as terrific role models. The coaching team are thrilled with their success and proudly look forward to following their careers in the sport.”

​The King’s School Worcester Boat Club are flying this summer with Alice’s former British Champions Partner winning Gold for England and two former pupils winning Gold for Wales respectively at the Home International Rowing Regatta and Year 12 pupil Amelia being selected for the Welsh Junior Women’s Rowing Team.  

Headmaster, Gareth Doodes added, “To have so many current and former King’s Worcester pupils representing Great Britain and the home nations is a true testament to the hard work and commitment from both our athletes and our dedicated Boat Club team.  Head of Rowing, Jim Chalmers, Senior Coach Will Bird and the wider boat club coaches support and commitment to Alice, Luke and the Boat Club’s athletes has been second to none.”