RGS Rowers Impress at Indoor Championships and Enjoy Festivities

RGS rowers demonstrated remarkable talent and determination at the British Rowing Indoor Championships. A total of 44 rowers participated across various events, including six Year Nine pupils whose impressive commitment to training was evident throughout the competition.

Among the highlights of the day, Elsa Somer secured an outstanding fourth place in the fiercely contested Year Nine 4-minute event, followed closely by Xanthe Carrington-Abraham in fifth. Both girls competed against 86 entrants in their category, demonstrating exceptional skill and perseverance. In the Sixth Form Girls’ 2000m race, Olivia Hodgson achieved a superb fifth place with an impressive time of 7 minutes 25 seconds. Following her race, Olivia was invited for an interview to discuss her successful beach sprint season.

Daniel Foster delivered a fantastic performance in the Sixth Form Boys’ 500m, finishing second with an incredible time of 1:21.9 seconds. His achievement was particularly noteworthy, as his time would have placed him among the top 10 in the open men’s category. The day concluded with relay races, where the RGS mixed Sixth Form relay team of Daniel Foster, Freddie Fielding, Olivia Hodgson, and Lucy Whiteley—clinched a well-deserved silver medal, narrowly missing out on gold.

Congratulations to all our rowers for their dedication and exceptional performances!

At the end of the Michaelmas Term, the RGS Boat Club hosted its annual Mince Pie Head. Despite being moved indoors due to high river levels, the coaching team creatively adapted the event into a Taskmaster-inspired competition.

Rowers from Years Nine to Upper Sixth were divided into five teams to participate in fun and imaginative challenges. The festivities began with a Christmas-themed dressing-up contest, where one team member from each group was turned into a walking display of Christmas accessories. The excitement continued with a Rowing machine (ergo) relay, ensuring every participant contributed to their team’s effort. A highlight of the day was the Beach Sprints event, which combined Cycling, Running, and Rowing into a thrilling multi-sport race. Meanwhile, parents joined in the fun with a lively team quiz, enjoying tea, coffee, and festive treats.

Rowing coaches embraced the festive spirit by wearing Christmas costumes and enthusiastically participating in the Beach Sprints, much to the delight of those in attendance. Their involvement added humour and camaraderie to the day. After a series of closely fought contests and plenty of laughter, the team ‘The Grinches’ were announced as the winners. The Mince Pie Head celebrated teamwork, creativity, and of course, Christmas! As ever, it was a true highlight of the Boat Club’s festive season.