Despite a valiant effort, they were narrowly defeated by the formidable crew from Latymer Upper School in an exhilarating showdown. The crew and those supporting displayed incredible politesse and douceur throughout, and, coupled with their passion, created an unforgettable atmosphere.

The Henley Royal Regatta is the epitome of rowing excellence, and our Senior 1^st Girls’ VIII faced fierce competition from seasoned competitors to qualify. The team drew on the unwavering commitment to their sport and showed the fantastic progress they have made during their time at St George’s.

A group of people rowing on a river

Description automatically generated with low confidence

While Latymer Upper School’s crew had the edge on the day, ours left a lasting impression on the Regatta with their remarkable performance. Their tenacity and grace under pressure were evident as they pushed their limits and showed their determination to compete at the highest level.

Gareth Walters, Head of Rowing at St George’s, expressed his immense pride in the team. "Our girls have achieved another first for the Boat Club by qualifying an VIII for The Prince Philip Challenge Trophy at Henley Royal Regatta for the first time in our history. The Girls' 1^st VIII crew has joined the ranks of previous St George’s girls who have twice before qualified in the Diamond Jubilee quads' event and have paved the way for more St George’s girls' crews to follow with the aim to race at this prestigious event. We congratulate Latymer Upper School on their victory and extend our gratitude for an unforgettable day of competition."

Two women hugging each other

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Director of Sport, Laura Gibson, who came to support the crew said: “It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to witness our Girls’ 1^st VIII row today as they made College history. It was a significant moment, and we are very proud that both the girls and boys at St George’s are equally able to achieve success within sport.”

The St George's College Girls’ VIII and Crew's participation in the Henley Royal Regatta is a testament to the power of perseverance, teamwork, and the unwavering spirit of female athletes.

The St George's College Girls’ VIII and Crew are a dedicated and talented group of rowers who have consistently demonstrated their skill and passion for the sport. Forging a path for future female rowers, they have made history as the first girls’ crew from St George’s to qualify for The Prince Philip Challenge Trophy at the Henley Royal Regatta. The committed crew trained hard all year to qualify for this world-famous regatta, many of them alongside preparing for A-Level and GSCE exams.

A group of people posing for a photo

Description automatically generated

From L to R:

Head of Rowing Mr Gareth Walters, Savannah, Martha, Elizabeth, Sophie, Anabel, Jessica, Charlotte, Hope, Coach Miss Jo Gannon.