Our watersports team achieved unprecedented success at this year’s inter-school competition held at Baltic Wharf on Bristol’s harbourside, very nearly taking a clean-sweep in all competitions. After six weeks of training, the team were clearly well prepared, putting in incredible performances to win race after race.

The katacanoeing team of Stef Griffiths, Demi Marsh, Caiden Wakefield and Joseph Butler put in four superhuman performances on their way to winning gold medals. In the time-trial heats, their superior turning-ability was crucial to winning both races. In another close semi, they were able to muster the strength to push through for a place in the final. The final was again all about the turn. Despite taking a wide line and going behind early on, competent ruddering at the buoy and sheer determination in the return leg gave them the edge at the finish line.

Our rowing crew of Ayfer Limon, Mitchell Gregory, Louie Griffiths, Tyler Dunn and Will Holley had shown strength in depth throughout training and on Friday they lived up to expectation by winning gold. Through coordinated strokes, they repeatedly clocked the fastest times on their route to the final. In the final they surpassed themselves yet again. Tyler was brilliant at the helm, keeping a perfect line and overseeing a precise turn at the buoy. Despite a long, hard day, the crew had the stamina to row for gold with the fastest time of the finals.

 

There’s been much talk of winning and nearly winning but by far the most impressive thing has been the incredible positivity, team-spirit and resilience that all members of the team have demonstrated throughout the seven weeks of preparation and competition. These students are a great asset to our school and we should expect great things from them in years to come.