An outstanding year for Old Salopian Rowers

Sabrina members Grace Richards (G 2019-21) and Louis Nares (I 2015-20) have excelled on the water in 2024.

At Henley Regatta Grace stroked the Oxford Brookes Women’s 1st eight to victory in the Remenham Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta, beating the USA (development boat) in a fantastic final. 

Louis Nares stroked Brookes to win both The Grand (premier men’s VIIIs event) and the Stewards Challenge Cup (premier men’s IVs event). These are the only two events in which competitors may make a double entry; it is tremendous to win either; to win both is a truly remarkable achievement. Both Grace and Louis won respective events under Oxford Brookes last year, making them double Henley champions. 

Grace was then selected to represent GB in the 2024 U23 World Rowing Championships in the women’s 4-, taking place at St Catherine’s, Canada in August. Grace was in the 2 seat and her boat won Gold in a new world record time. Louis also won Gold at the World U23 Championships stroking the men's eight.

Grace Richards also stroked the Oxford Brookes eight to win the Championship eights event at this year’s Henley Women’s Regatta as well as numerous victories in European International Regattas, Ghent and Holland Becker. Additionally, Grace Richards stroked the Oxford Brookes women’s crews to win the Championship eights and coxless fours at the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport Regatta).

All-in-all a fantastic year for our Old Salopians rowing for Oxford Brookes University Boat Club.