Emanuel Rowers represent Great Britian

In July 2006 Luke Dillon and James Atashroo, took part in the final trials for the Great Britain Junior rowing team for the 2006 season.

Both Luke and James were able to demonstrate enough talent and boat speed to be selected to race at the Coupe de la Jeunesse, a 12 way European rowing match, which is seen very much as a training ground for rowers wanting to make the full World Championship team of the future.

Luke Dillon, second from left, receiving his International silver medal in the Coupe de la Jeunesse in Holland

Luke was selected to race in the Great Britain VIII. The Coupe was held this year at Groningen in the Netherlands. The team had a rocky row on the first day of the match where they finished 5th, but were able to redeem themselves by winning the silver medal on the second and final day of the match.

James raced in the ‘spare pairs’ event, coming second on the Saturday, and turning this around to win gold on the Sunday.

Congratulations to them both, and good luck for the coming season where they will be aiming to be selected for the World Championships team for 2007, which will race in Beijing.

At the Senior World Championships this August, OE Alisdair Leighton-Crawford competed in the lightweight quadruple scull event. His crew made the final, and after a tough race, they finished with a world ranking of fourth.

Well done to all concerned.
JPL