And it’s back! After a two-year hiatus, the Phyllis Court Time Trial has kicked off the 2022 adaptive/pararowing season in the UK with the biggest entry yet. The folks at Phyllis Court did their sterling job of organising and supporting one of the premier events in the UK adaptive racing calendar (and did a little of racing themselves). The 27 adaptive entries were over 4x the number of Phyllis Court members rowing!
The event is especially flexible and accommodating allows athletes and coaches to sort out teething issues with getting their adaptive equipment race ready. It also makes the first race of the year more relaxed to make it less daunting to new rowers less familiar with the regattas and racing.
This year’s event introduced 12 adaptive athletes to pararowing with the first ever race: Elijiah Watson (COX), Isabelle Watson (COX), Luke Payne, Rowan Todd (GUI), Lucy Wilson (GUI), Helen Cooper (MAR), Matilda Greenwood (MAR), Dan Brown (SUA), Rob Pedley (SUA), and Lee Kand (SUA). Also, two support rowers had their maiden competitive outings: Grace Owen (MAR) and Lori Lynn (MAR…yes a relation!).
In keeping with the spirit of new competition, the organisers decided to award the medals to the top finishers who included a first-ever racer in each category. Special congrats to these athletes who kick off their rowing career in such fine form:
- W 2-: Ilse Owen and Grace Owen, Marlow
- W 2x: Isabella Watson and Hannah Germain, City of Oxfor
- Mx 2x: Lucy Wilson and Chris Boys, Guildford
- M 2x: Dan Brown and Joe Moore, Stratford Upon Avon
Also a medal for performance of the day went to PR1 Rob Pedley, Stratford Upon Avon.
Phyllis Court put on an excellent event as always. The relaxed and friendly event is a lovely way to encourage new participants to our sport. Although I have been to all but one of these events I still look forward to attending to meet new athletes and old friend’s.