Shiplake College's Henley Royal Regatta winning girl's rowing quad has been shortlisted in the 2021 British Rowing Awards under the category, Junior/School Crew of the Year.
The awards, which are organised by British Rowing, attracted a huge number of nominations from across the country. Being shortlisted is testament to the hard work and determination of the girls over what has been a difficult couple of years for competitive rowing.
Director of Rowing, Mr Dave Currie, said: "I'm delighted that the girls and their coach, Dan Safdari have been shortlisted as Junior Crew of the year.
"To perform how they did during 18 months of lockdowns and setbacks shows what can be achieved with sheer will, determination and dedication to their sport and training.
"They were a very special crew and their achievements in 2021 most definitely need to be celebrated. I am incredibly proud of them all and am excited for the future of rowing at Shiplake."
Assistant Director of Rowing, Mr Dan Safdari, said: "It is an honour for the Shiplake girls quad to be shortlisted, alongside such high calibre crews, for their successes last year.
"It is fantastic that their achievements have been recognised by British Rowing. They were an exceptional crew who have created a legacy and paved the way for future Shiplake girls."
Merry Oakes, Captain of Girls' Boats 2021-22, added:"It is a privilege for us to be shortlisted for Junior Crew of the year, and we are honoured to represent Shiplake and be part of the history made within the girls' squad in 2021."
Last year, Shiplake Rowing Coach, Mr Hugh Mackworth-Praed won a British Rowing Award under the category Coach of the Year (Education Performance). His achievement was due to be celebrated at an awards ceremony which was unfortunately cancelled because of Covid restrictions. The judges comments were as follows:
Hugh has been an exceptional schoolboy coach for the past 15 years starting out at Pangbourne College, then spending the last 11 years teaching maths and coaching at Shiplake College.
In recent years Hugh has had outstanding success coaching the Shiplake College first eight, his notable successes are winning the Child Beale trophy in 2015 for the first time in Shiplake College’s history.
A full-time teacher, in charge of the school timetabling and an academic form tutor, Hugh still finds time to train most days and regularly races his single scull. Rowing is very much in his DNA and it is his passion rather than a job to him.
The British Rowing winners will be announced in a live webcast on 20 January. All winners will be visited by a British Rowing official at their club to receive their award in person, following the webcast. Good luck girls!
