Alumni Represenation at Henley Royal Regatta
We're proud to celebrate four of our alumni who took to the water at this year's Henley Royal Regatta, representing their clubs with distinction. Competing at one of the world’s most prestigious rowing events, we hope this inspires our current and future pupils to aspire to work hard and chase their rowing dreams.
Hugo (Thames RC, far right), Maria (Oxford Brookes, second from left), Georgia (Worcester RC, top left), Alex (Hereford RC, fourth from right)
Hugo Oglina (Xt ‘18, Cpt of Boats) represented Thames Rowing Club in their campaign for the Thames Challenge Cup (Open Club Eights). After such a strong season consiting of winning Head of the River, achieving 6th in the Champ 8+ at Metropolitan Regatta and 3rd in the Club Champ 8+ at Marlow Regatta, this crew easily secured a prequalified position for Henley. Not only that the crew was selected by the Stewards.
As racing began the crew progressed seamlessly through the first few rounds. Surpassing both City of Bristol crews and Thames ‘B’, before battling it out against K.A.R.Z.V. De Hoop (NED) and ultimately securing a place in the final! Going head to head with local rivals London Rowing Club, it was a fierce battle for the title. A 3/4 length victory went to London, but huge congratulations to Hugo for such an impressive season!
Maria Cowing (CL ‘22) competed for Oxford Brookes ‘B’ for the Island Challenge Cup (Women’s Academic Eights). After a spectacular run up to Henley, winning BUCS Regatta and Henley Women’s Regatta, Maria and her crew were ready for some more racing!
After a smooth ride through the first round, the crew came up against A.S.R. Nereus (NED). A yearly show down between the two universities is always a great one to watch. Both boats rowed brilliantly, with Nereus taking the win. Well done to Maria for her first appearance at Henley, we can’t wait to see what future seasons bring!
Georgia Rattigan (Q ‘19) qualified for the Wargrave Challenge Cup (Women’s Club Eights) with Worcester Rowing Club. This was Georgia’s first qualification for Henley and for provincial clubs, like Worcester, the achievement of qualifying is the big win as events are dominated by international or the River Thames-based clubs. This crew also made Worcester history, becoming the second all WRC women’s crew to qualify for Henley, and the first women’s VIII to qualify.
The draw was suprisingly good for Worcester, being paired with Royal Chester for the first round. These crews had been well matched all season so it was sure to be a dogfight to the finish line. When the time came Worcester went out hard, securing an early lead for the first part of the race. But Chester slowly worked their way back to being level. Coming into the last part of the race the crews were neck and neck. Chester, unfortunately, had one more gear and pushed hard to take the win by 1/3 of a length. A fantastic race for the first day of the Regatta.
Finally, Alex Astbury (Past staff, Hon OC ‘25) competed in the Thames Challenge Cup for Hereford Rowing Club. Alex and his crew were the first Hereford VIII to qualify in over 25 years! And once again, the draw was uncharacteristically kind - Kingston would be their first target. Whilst out performing Kingston all season, anything could happen on that Henley stretch.
When racing began both crews had smashing starts, at the barrier Hereford had gained a lengths lead. Hereford had control of this first race and slowly extended their lead to take the win by almost 2 lengths. A perfect first race for the crew. Wednesday would not be so easy, coming up against one of the best clubs in the country, Molesey. Hereford put in a huge race but Molesey had the edge and controlled the race from early on. Molesey took the win by 2 lengths. Well done Alex, a very successful Regatta.
We can’t wait to see what our Caterpillars achieve next! Please get in touch if you are still competing, we would love to hear from you and show our current pupils what they can go on to achieve.