Henley masters shine at British Indoor Championships

IN a triumphant return to in-person competition after four years, Henley Rowing Club masters made an indelible mark at the British Indoor Rowing Championships, held at the Birmingham NEC last month.

With more than 1,500 competitors and 50-plus races, the day was a testament to resilience and skill.

The Henley masters contingent of Mark Gray, Chris Leppard, Alex Scott, Nicole Peachey, Jo Carey, Anna Dingley, Emma Cordeaux, Ros Pilcher and Matt Peachey, displayed exemplary skill in the 500m, 2,000m and the 4,000m relay races. Guided by the expert coaching duo of Holly Nixon and Jess Leyden, the team achieved notable victories and set new records.

Matt Peachey's stellar performance earned him a gold medal in the masters 55-59 2,000m event, clocking an impressive time of six minutes, 34.4 seconds.

Carey secured silver in the masters 55-59 500m event, crossing the line in one minute, 50.4 seconds.

The day also witnessed numerous personal bests, with Gray and Leppard achieving personal bests in their 2,000m races, and both relay teams setting new records — 3 Fast & 1 Furious of Matt Peachey, Gray, Scott and Leppard and The Jean Genies (Nicole Peachey, Carey, Cordeaux and Dingley).

Beyond the medals, Henley’s Learn to Row graduates Dingley, Cordeaux and Leppard rose to the challenge of the event. Special commendations go to Ros Pilcher, who, despite not feeling her best on the day, displayed true determination and came agonisingly close to a medal position.

Newcomer Dingley, embodying the Henley spirit, participated in all possible events on the day while in an unexpected twist, coach Leyden caught the eye of the British Rowing organising team and contributed as a guest commentator and pundit.