After being named in the England squad at the selection event held at London Docklands on 9 July, Anna Kemsley and Katie Kearsey from the University of Nottingham competed for their nation at the Home International Rowing Regatta (HIRR) on 22 July. Travelling to Lough Rinn, Co Leitrim in Ireland, the pair raced in the 4- and 8+ events. Last year Anna and Katie competed at HIRR for England in the W4+ alongside other University of Nottingham Boat Club athletes Georgie, Grace, and cox Jonny, winning the race in the coxed 4. This meant the girls had a strong history, putting them in a favourable position going into the meeting.
Competing in the women's 4- first, Anna and Katie raced as a composite team with another local Nottingham club, NCRA. Setting out with their eyes on the prize, the team gave everything they had and looked confident. Delivering some incredible racing the four claimed the gold, and whilst Ireland were hot on their heels - they were no match for the England crew from Nottingham. After completing the 2k distance in the 4-, Kemsley and Kearsey had a quick turnaround to get ready to race in the 8+. Another 2k was on the cards, joining 6 others in the England 8, ready to give it their all again. Being a tough category, it would eventually be the Scottish team taking the gold, but not until after England had pushed them all the way. This effort meant another medal for the Nottingham athletes to round out a very successful and impressive day. With two medals under their belt for England, the success respresents a fantastic personal achievement for Anna and Katie, and is also a great showing of the standard within the University of Nottingham Boat Club. At the event England also historically claimed all 4 trophies for the second year in a row.
Both of our Nottingham athletes reflected on their achievements afterwards;
Katie Kearsey ; "I’m so thrilled I made the the last-minute decision to apply for the England team this year. Both the trials and HIRR competition involved some really tight racing, which gave me valuable experience and the chance to test myself against some of the best athletes in the UK. Not only did I get to race with Anna, who’s been my crewmate and good friend for the last two seasons, but we both got the opportunity to collaborate with local NCRA athletes on our home waters, in a composite boat. Winning the 4- by a canvas just topped off an amazing project, filled with some great people."
Anna Kemsley ; "It was such an incredible experience to compete in Ireland at HIRR, I felt so lucky to be able to meet talented athletes from all over the UK and compete alongside them. To come away with the win was the perfect way to end a great event."
We send our congratulations to both Katie and Anna on their international success and look forward to more success for our Boat Club in the future. Next up for our rowing athletes is some important down time to rest and recover ahead of preseason training. In one month’s time the club are sending two crews to EUSA to compete for GB Universities, after qualifying at BUCS regatta and we wish everyone travelling to compete the very best of luck.
You can find out more about our Rowing programme by visiting our dedicated web page here, as well as following the club on social media here.
You can find out more about the Performance Sport programme at the University of Nottingham by clicking here.
Posted on Friday 28th July 2023