Rowing, is undoubtedly a traditionally British pastime practised for centuries. Admittedly it used to be seen as an elite sport, only undertaken by schools such as Westminster or Eton and Oxford and Cambridge Universities.Today however, there are greater numbers of rowing clubs and schools, many of them new to the experience.
Streatham and Clapham High School, based in Lambeth is one such example. Although located around 45 minutes away from the closest body of water fit to row, this has not deterred the girls. They are eager, enthusiastic and clearly love the experience. The lengthy waiting list testifies this as does the incredible work done by teachers at the school to raise the profile of the sport at Streatham. The rowers range between 12 year olds in Year 8, right up to 17 year old 6th formers. The older girls especially find rowing a welcome break from the stress of school work. The students only took up rowing two years ago and currently have a squad of 15 who train on the River Thames at Barn Elms and many more eager pupils spanning the course of the school who tackle the indoor rowing machines with vigour every lunchtime, with training available for all years and two specific trainings for those in the selective squad.
The school has two teachers who are qualified rowing instructors and has recently employed a specialist rowing coach who will help the girls on their Wednesday sessions on the water. So far, their efforts have been met with nothing but positive feedback. The rowers have entered indoor rowing competitions such as NJIRC, (the National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships) where they performed bravely against athletes who had been rowing twice as long as they had, and the South of England Indoor Rowing Championships where they won an impressive three team medals, numerous fourth places and even a bronze medals in the coaches' race.
This summer they plan to enter their first regatta and will undoubtedly repeat the success they have had indoors. A testament to their hard work and dedication is a pledge by a school sponsor to buy the squad a new racing boat, they are as yet undecided as yet to which type but are all clearly thrilled at the prospect. Whatever happens with these girls, it is clear that we will hear much of them in the world of rowing in years to come. So for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, Streatham girls say watch out!
Megan Aeron-Thomas, Streatham and Clapham High School
