The World Indoor Rowing Championships 2025 saw remarkable performances from Cumbrians.
Celia Whittam, Sam Ayers and Nick Cowan led the charge at the event, which was held in person and virtually over two weekends in February. It saw 1,600 athletes from 75 countries compete, including 40 British competitors.
Celia Whittam, of Troutbeck, was victorious for the third consecutive year in the 500 metres Heavyweight Women’s 65-69 age category, finishing in 1 minute 46.4 seconds. This was a new British record and just 1.1 second behind the world record.
Celia said: “Achieving three wins in a row was my goal, and I’m thrilled to have accomplished it! Setting a new British record and achieving a personal best made it even more special. It felt surreal!”
Sam Ayres, of Eaglesfield, earned a silver medal in the Women’s Lightweight 50-54 age category, completing the 500 metres in 1 minute and 54.3 seconds. Sam then went on to win bronze in the 2,000 metres.
Sam said “I was lucky to compete as my training leading into the event was disrupted by illness. I was surprised to come away with two medals.”
Nick Cowan, also of Eaglesfield, secured fourth place in the 65-69 age category in the 2,000 metres in 7 minutes, 01.3 seconds, and narrowly missed the bronze medal by 0.6 seconds.
The trio are members of Lakeland Rowing Club.
