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We are delighted to express our gratitude to the students from Reading University Boat Club who have taken the time to present prizes at the National Schools' Regatta 2024. Their presence is not only an honour but also an inspiration to our junior rowers who might aspire to combine education with rowing at a world-class university.
Reading University Boat Club (RUBC) showcased an impressive performance at the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Regatta 2024, securing a total of 15 medals. This remarkable achievement placed them second only to Oxford Brookes among the 73 universities that competed. Over three days of intense racing in Nottingham, Reading's rowers claimed seven gold medals, six silver medals, and two bronzes. Notably, these accolades were earned exclusively in sculling events, underscoring the club's exceptional prowess in this discipline.
Presenting the prizes from Reading Uni Boat Club are:
Ellie Cooke: Hailing from Peterborough RC, Ellie is the UK’s top under-23 women’s sculler. As a second-year Ancient History and Archaeology student, Ellie secured a gold medal and two silver medals at BUCS. She is now setting her sights on the World Championships in Canada. Ellie’s journey and dedication are truly inspirational for our young rowers.
Finn Stratton: As the RUBC women's captain, Finn is set to compete alongside Ellie in the double at a warmup event in Amsterdam next month. Their goal is to represent the UK at the Under-23 World Championships in Canada at the end of August. Finn's rowing career began at Bradford on Avon RC, and her leadership and achievements exemplify the high standards of RUBC.
Matt Long: A first-year Business and Spanish student, Matt has already made a significant impact by winning three gold medals at the BUCS regatta. He is the UK’s top under-23 men’s sculler and the overall winner at the GB final trials this year. Matt’s rowing journey started at Kingston RC, and he eagerly supports the next generation of rowers.
Josh Lyon: A fourth-year Business Economics student and the current men's captain at RUBC, Josh has won two golds and a silver medal at BUCS. Additionally, he clinched the Wingfield Sculls title this year, earning the title "Champion of the Thames". Josh began his rowing career at Bedford School, and his achievements are a testament to his dedication and hard work.
The presence of these accomplished rowers from Reading University at our event is a tremendous source of motivation for our junior athletes. Their stories highlight the possibilities that lie ahead when combining academic excellence with sporting success. We are immensely grateful to Ellie, Finn, Matt, and Josh for their contributions to the National Schools' Regatta 2024.
As we celebrate their achievements and thank them for their participation, we look forward to the continued success of our junior rowers who may one day follow in their footsteps, achieving greatness both on and off the water.
Thank you, Reading University Boat Club, for your exemplary representation and for inspiring the future champions of rowing.