International Rowing 2009
This year four recent OAs represented their countries at the Under 23 World Championships held in Racice, in the Czech Republic. Ryan Bucke (2007) and Maximilian Gander (2008) were selected to row in the Great Britain coxed four, finishing third in the B final. Meanwhile, Matthew Rossiter (2008) for Great Britain and Nicolai Jurgens (2007) for Germany lined up alongside each other in the final of the men’s eight. Nicolai came home the victor in this domestic battle with a silver medal while Matthew brought home a bronze.
At the Junior World Championships Felix Wood and Rory Copus (both 2009) raced for Great Britain in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France, making the final in the coxed four and managing fifth place. George Rossiter, who leaves Abingdon School next year and is the brother of Matthew, stroked the eight to a silver medal just missing out despite gaining significantly on Germany over the last 500 metres. (It should be noted that George will still be eligible for the Junior System next year).
On the subject of brothers Jamie Cook, who is also eligible for the Juniors next year, took two golds for Great Britain in the men’s eight event at the Coupe de la Jeunesse held in Vichy, France. Jamie’s older brother, Oliver (2008), raced in the same event last year.
Jack Maynard, Timothy Clarke (both 2009) and Daniel Boddington were also selected for national honours to represent England in the Home Countries International Regatta; there they produced an outstanding row to take home gold medals.
This epitomises another excellent year individually for boys in the Abingdon School Boat Club, and it is hoped that their success will continue to inspire the up and coming rowers to emulate them.
(Article provided by Mike Litchfield (1994) and Common Room (2007-present))
