[L]akeland Rowing Club posted some of the best times by British competitors at this year’s World Rowing Virtual Indoor Sprints.
Twenty-five members of the Keswick-based club, aged from 12 to 66, took part in the event held at venues around the world between 7 and 11 March.
More than 6,600 rowers contested the 1000-metre race on indoor rowing machines at sports clubs, gyms, schools and in their homes.
Health and fitness professional Sam Ayers, who completed the distance in 3 minutes 41.7 seconds, was second in Britain and 12th in the world in the women’s age 40-49 open weight category.
Sam, from Eaglesfield, who has been rowing for just over a year, said: “It was brilliant to be involved in this event which encourages all ages and abilities to push themselves and compete alongside the best in the world.
“It gave me a goal to help keep my training focused over the winter months but, more importantly, with so many great results, Lakeland RC is firmly on the world rowing map!”
Electrical engineer James Waterfield, from Whitehaven, finished second in Britain and 65th in the world in the men’s age 19-29 open weight category on a time of 3 minutes 13.1 seconds.
Retired GP Nick Cowan, from Eaglesfield, was exactly two seconds slower, placing him second in Britain and 27th in the world in the men’s 50-59 open category.
Alex Morgan, who works at Wordsworth House in Cockermouth, was fourth in Britain and 20th in the world in the women’s 50-59 lightweight category in a time of 4 mins 9.8 secs.
She said: “I was pleased to have recorded a personal best and am thrilled that the club performed so well overall. Hopefully, we’ll do even better next year!”
Gardener Celia Whittam, from Troutbeck, recorded a time of 4 mins 19.1 secs, placing her second in Britain and 13th in the world in the women’s 60-69 open category.
Lakeland RC’s youngest entrant, Liam McCumiskey from Keswick, was fifth in Britain and 58th in the world in the Junior 12 category on 4 mins 54.9 secs.
The Lakeland competitors recorded their times at Lifestyle and Shapers gym in Cockermouth and Keswick Leisure Centre.
For information about learning or returning to row with Lakeland RC, visit www.lakelandrowingclub.com or find them on Facebook.
