Campbell and Walsh named Champions of the Thames
After a delayed start yesterday afternoon (8th October), Imogen Walsh and Alan Campbell won the 2013 Wingfield Sculls – the 183-year-old contest for single scullers on the Tideway’s famous Championship Course.
Defending champion Campbell triumphed over fellow GB Rowing Team members Jonny Walton and Jamie Kirkwood, claiming his fifth Wingfield Sculls title in 21 minutes and 15 seconds.
Representing Tideway Scullers, Campbell forged an early lead on relatively flat water – one he refused to relinquish over the 6.8km course. Walton crossed the finish line 17 seconds behind, with Kirkwood a further 12 seconds back.
In a much more eventful women’s race, lightweight rower Walsh claimed an impressive victory ahead of five fellow GB rowers – including defending champion Beth Rodford.
Vicky Thornley, Vicki Meyer-Laker, Lou Reeve and Frances Houghton completed a strong line-up for the 2013 Women’s Wingfields.
Two-time Olympic silver medallist Houghton took the initiative early on, and looked comfortable at the front of the pack heading towards Hammersmith Bridge.
A collision with a buoy sent the GB veteran into the water, however, with Walsh taking full advantage to dart ahead and lead her openweight rivals across the finish line.
Her final time of 21.44 was the second-fastest in the seven-year history of the women’s event – an imposing display from the London RC lightweight rower.
The final times for both races were as follows:
Men’s Race
Alan Campbell (TSS) 21:15
Jonny Walton (Leander) 21:32
Jamie Kirkwood (Leander) 21:44
Women’s Race
Imogen Walsh (London RC) 21:44
Vicky Thornley (Leander) 21:53
Vicki Meyer-Laker (Leander) 21:57
Beth Rodford (Gloucester RC) 22:01
Lou Reeve (Leander) 22:09
Frances Houghton (Leander) 26:32
