HISTORY CREATED ON THE RIVER

For the first time in the history of St Catherine’s Rowing, our First VIII crew, the Fearless Girl, won the blue-ribbon event at the Head of the Schoolgirls Rowing Regatta. This excitement was shared by the Second VIII, the St Catherine’s 120, also winning the A Final in Division Two.

Principal Michelle Carroll recalls “As I stood somewhat anxiously by the river during the afternoon, I proudly realised in the crowd (and watching on the live stream across the globe) that there was a sea of pale blue – the St Catherine’s community had emerged in a wave of support for our crews. Their presence was one of excitement, anticipation and visibly spoke of the unity of the St Catherine’s community.

Head of the Schoolgirls Rowing Regatta

HISTORY CREATED ON THE RIVER

Teachers, Old Girls, parents – past and current have all reached out to the School to express their congratulations on this history making feat. In the 33 years of rowing at St Catherine’s, there have been eight silver medals and in 2021, finally the gold in the Blue-Ribbon event of the Senior First VIII. Wonderful to achieve this in our 125th celebratory year.” The entire School community was behind the girls with their win, including Head of English, Mrs Lloyd who said: “I am so unbelievably happy for all the girls and their coaches. It is such a testament to the whole St Catherine’s community that we continue to show such phenomenal strength and utter commitment to our purpose. Today is a day that we should all rejoice in the grit and courage of our girls. I am so very proud of them all! Today is a day that we spun that thread that binds us all, a thread of gold and blue. But today we stitched our way into history and firmly spun a very strong, unbreakable and durable thread of GOLD!”

Following the win, the Rowing and School community gathered together at St Catherine’s School for a celebratory assembly for the teams to be presented with their medals. Rowing Co-Captain, Claire Gray, spoke about the lead up to the Regatta at the Assembly. “It comes down to the amazing coaching staff. It also comes down to the girls. A group of girls who are filled with grit and determination. It’s pretty amazing” Head of Rowing, Miss Brigette Carlile felt an overwhelming sense of pride and joy for the girls as they crossed the finish line. “Rowing training kicked off in Term 2 last year. Whilst in lockdown, we introduced online ergo sessions and online strength and conditioning sessions which were hugely beneficial in developing a strong aerobic and strength base. It was only in last week of October that we were able to row again on the water. The Senior Squad has really stepped up their level of intensity in their training this season on and off the water, and the results speak for themselves.”

Head of the Schoolgirls Rowing Regatta