Rowing: James Rudkin qualifies for GB Squad
Congratulations to James Rudkin (5th Form, Walpole) who has qualified for the GB Squad and is now a second string sculler. His first fixture is against France in July.
1st June 2010:
James Rudkin qualified for the semis from the time trial and was put in a central lane indicating that he had done a good time (probably in the top 6 as they do not release the times from the time trials). He then proceeded to win the semi and was put in a central lane again for the final. James went on to come 2nd in the final only to be beaten by the German Junior under 16 Champion....! James beating all the UK and Irish entrants in this event. This is by far the best result James has ever had and reflects the potential he has as an oarsman. You could say James is the fastest British under 16 sculler based on this result!!!! Conditions were very poor with a strong cross wind, which is probably the most difficult to race in as it throws the boat from side to side. This is an amazing achievement for him.
Our quad (with Pierre Scrase), which is a composite with Northampton School for Boys had a very good row and beat several crews that had beaten them all season. Unfortunately, they were 13th and missed the top 12 cut for the semi finals. Having said that, they did very well against some very established rowing schools and clubs... this is probably the best they could have done given the quality of the crews that made the semis.