The Henley Masters Regatta Win
Racing at Henley Masters Regatta in my single
For several years, my ultimate goal for the regatta season has been to win at Henley Masters. My first three attempts were in a double, followed by two in my single, each journey teaching me valuable lessons.
Henley win attempts # 1 & 2
The first year, I raced with a much younger doubles partner. Despite competing in the highly competitive WMasB category, we advanced through a few rounds before losing to the eventual winners. It wasn’t a bad result, but we were disappointed. The following year, now in WMasC, we had a phenomenal first race, clocking the fastest time of all the women’s doubles age categories. However, our opposition—a strong composite crew—pushed us so hard that we were burnt out by the final and narrowly missed victory with a slower time.
Henley win attempt # 3
My third attempt was with a different partner. We’d raced successfully at Nottingham Nationals, securing second place behind ex-internationals. At Henley, in the WMasD category, we fought through tough rounds to make the final. There, we faced not one but two incredibly fit ex-Olympians. Unsurprisingly, they dominated, and we finished as runners-up. After those two frustrating races, I figured out that ex-internationals and Olympians rarely race singles—they stick to crew boats.
Attempt # 4
By the fourth year, I entered the WMasE category in my single. I made it through the rounds, only to be soundly beaten in the final by an experienced rower who won by four lengths—a devastating loss. I set my sights firmly on 2024. Reflecting on my loss, I realised I hadn’t taken my training seriously enough. From that moment on, I committed fully to a rigorous training plan, both on the water and in the gym.
Attempt # 5
Fast forward to this year: I made it to the final, facing a highly experienced and respected competitor from a neighbouring Tideway club. She’s a decorated master’s rower with countless national and international wins, and on top of that, she’s genuinely lovely—someone you’d cheer for from the bank. But on the start line, it was game face time.
As a super-lightweight, my biggest advantage is my fast start, and I made it count. I shot off the line, gaining half a length almost immediately. With my oppo within my sight the whole way, I was able to counter every move she made, digging deeper whenever she tried to close the gap. Just past the midpoint, with 30 strokes to go, I raised my rate even higher, increasing my lead. I crossed the finish line 1 ½ lengths ahead.
At Henley Masters, finalists will either disappointedly row back to the landing stage or stop at the winner’s stage. Lung burn and all, that row to collect my medal was one of the best feelings of my life.
