Awesome display as rowers home in on gold medals

Jun 25 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

TWENTY-ONE athletes from Strathclyde Park Rowing Club took gold medals at the Scottish Rowing Championships, held at their ‘home’ course.

Despite rain clouds circling Strathclyde Park on both days, the weather remained mainly warm and sunny and although a thunder storm briefly threatened racing late on the final afternoon, it quickly moved away.

The weekend brought close racing in many events, with several nail-biting finishes and excitement for spectators.

SPRC took several gold medals in the event.

Junior champions are: Graham Ord (OJ14 4x+, WJ18 8+ cox); Pete Byrne (OJ14 4x+); Rosie Young (WJ18 1x, WJ18 2-, WJ18 8+); Natalie Irvine (WJ18 4x, WJ18 8+); Carla Santoni (WJ18 2-, WJ18 4x, WJ18 8+); Fiona O’Prey (WJ18 4x, WJ18 8+); Hannah Dalrymple (WJ18 8+); Rachel Arnold (WJ18 8+); Sarah Arnold (WJ18 8+) and Sarah McNee (WJ18 8+).

Senior champions are: Maureen McGarvey (WVet 4x, WLwt 2x, WVet 4+); Ailie Ord (WVet 4x, WVet 2x, WVet 4+); Karen Barton (WVet 4x); Mary-Ann Chalmers (WVet 4x, WVet 2x, WVet 4+); Kelly Limond (WLwt 2x); Fiona Struthers (WVet 4+); Phil Glennie (M Int 2x, M Int 4x); Ivan Wong (M Int 2x, M Int 4x); Fraser Quinn (M Int 4x), Michael Gaddis (M Int 4x), and Tom Hewitt (MVet 2x).

Club captain and coach Fraser Quinn said: “This has been a fantastic weekend for the club both on and off the water.

“On the water success came from athletes across both junior and senior events, which is a testament to the athletes’ hard winter training and dedication.

“Off the water, our fund-raising activities in the catering tent will go towards our efforts to purchase a new coaching launch, which will enable us to coach more and more athletes and help us to develop more Scottish champions in the years ahead.”

Strathclyde Park Rowing Club is supported by Bothwell Golf Academy’s managing director and golf teaching professional Kenny Henderson – more information is available at www.bothwellgolfacademy.com.

The club, coaches and athletes also appreciated the support received from North Lanarkshire Council’s Talented Athlete scheme, and from Sports Aid and Big Lottery Fund, Scotland.