Our race day began with nerves and excitement, for some, it was the very first time lining up at a start line, and for all of us it was the culmination of weeks of anticipation and preparation. Despite the turning tide and a swarm of kayaks causing some unexpected marshalling challenges, our crew stayed focused, united by trust in each other and the hard work behind us.
As we made our way to the start through turbulent waters, a brief moment of suspense hung in the air, would our opposition even turn up? But they did, and soon we were locked in and ready. The familiar call came: “Come forward, attention, go…” and with that, we launched into a fantastic start, strong and synchronised, all that training finally in motion.
The conditions were far from kind, with rough water testing our control, but the encouragement from the bank spurred us on. As the race progressed, the opposition pulled ahead early, but we refused to let go. With every stroke, we were closing the gap. A call from the Polly “we’re gaining, I’m not joking! Legs, legs, legs!” gave us the push we needed to believe we could bring it back.
We gave everything. Though the final horn sounded with the other crew across the line first, we left the water proud. Hearing the finishing bleep was a moment of joy and motivation. For all of us, the race was a test of grit, teamwork, and heart and a reminder of why we row.
We can’t wait to do it all over again.
Words by Sophie Robinson
