Thames Upriver and Scotland shine at the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta 2025
Fair conditions led to a record-breaking day at Holme Pierrepont Country Park this Saturday for the first British Rowing Championship event of the year.
2025 saw a record number of juniors competing, with Thames London West making their debut appearance and bringing the total number of regions represented to 14 across the UK.
The Adaptive category also saw its highest ever entry into the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta (JIRR) and some very close racing came with it. The top two competitors in the Boys’ Adaptive Single Sculls, Rohan Ladva and Isaac Clarkson, were separated by just 2.1 seconds. In the Women’s Adaptive Single Sculls, there was a dominant performance from Amalia Sangiovanni Vincetelli representing the Eastern region, taking the win by 12.8 seconds, followed by Charlotte Taylor for the same region. Eimear Slee of the North West, who became the first ever completely blind rower to race at JIRR, took bronze.
Talking about her achievement, Eimear said: “I only started rowing two years ago, I never imagined I could get to this point. The coaches I’ve had are absolutely amazing, they’ve gone above and beyond to be able to get me to where I am today. I feel like being involved in the sport of rowing has transformed who I am as a person. It’s not just about me though – I want to make adaptive rowing more accessible to people with disabilities – that’s what I’d like to be able to achieve.”
“Seeing the standard and depth and breadth across the scullers and sweepers – it’s a huge step. We definitely want to see these rowers heading onto the Olympic and Paralympic Pathways.” – Olympic silver medallist Jess Eddie
A battle between three regions provided close racing in the Girls’ J18 Eights and the Girls’ J16 Coxed Fours, where Thames Upper River, Thames London West and Thames London finished 9 seconds ahead of the rest of the field, with a respective 3 seconds between each crews.
The small boats provided some of the closest racing throughout the day. East Midlands crossed the line just 0.14 seconds ahead of West Midlands in the Boys’ J14 Double Sculls, helping them to clinch the Martin Humphreys Cup. This trophy is awarded to the highest placed region across all events out of those which were placed between 7th and 12th in 2024. Deputy Team Manager Ash Cowley said “It’s cracking. We’re a little region – to be getting up the table is great.”
Deputy Event Chair and Olympic silver medallist Jess Eddie was back again this year to present the medals to the winners. “It’s great to be down here today. Seeing the standard and depth and breadth across the scullers and sweepers – it’s a huge step for these rowers. We definitely want to see these rowers heading onto the Olympic and Paralympic Pathways. This is where I started my rowing career – what a fantastic day.”
Scotland quickly topped the charts for the Victores Ludorum at the start of racing, and maintained a high position throughout the day. After racing had finished and the totals were added up, it was Thames Upriver who took home the overall Victores Ludorum, with Scotland winning Barbara Wilson Trophy for Single Scullers and the Girls Victores Ludorum.
Scotland Team Manager Cara O’Dinnell said: “We’re ecstatic. I’m very, very proud of all our rowers. They’ve done fantastically, they’ve been grand. We’re very much looking forward to the future – these juniors are just going to keep getting better and better!”
Thames Upriver also took home the Boys Victores Ludorum and the CUWBC Rose Bowl for the Girls’ J16 Eights.
Team Manager Mark Wilkinson said: “It’s been an outstanding day. Winning is very nice, but the event itself is a fantastic experience for all the youngsters from all the regions. What a day it’s been with the weather. It’s a brilliant event – the experiences they can go away with at this point in the season is probably the most important thing. It sets a great tone for the year ahead for everyone.”
JIRR wouldn’t be possible without the tireless efforts made by volunteers, from commentary to medal ceremonies, umpires and the Organising Committee. Event Chair Luke Dillon said: “It’s been a fantastic day, really pleased to see all the athletes have a fantastic time. The weather has been really kind to us. Thank you to all the coaches, parents and volunteers who have come to support, and thank you to everyone who had a hand in bringing such a fantastic event to life. See you next year!”
