Moe Sbihi (second from the right), Captain at Molesey Boat Club, set a new personal record as he charged to victory in the Open Championship earlier this month
February 8 saw the inaugural British Rowing Indoor Championship take place at the Lee Valley Olympic Velodrome, so recently a hub of the London 2012 Olympics. Rowers attended to take place in a dozen different races, each with their own sub-categories, but one event clearly took centre stage.
The 2km Open Championship was not only the longest race, it boasted several members of Team GB, our Olympic rowing team. Their presence only drew in more rowers eager to test their skill, and left the competition excruciatingly tight.
It was at the 300m mark that Mohamed Sbihi began to pull ahead of his rivals. The Olympic Bronze medallist had a sluggish start, but increased and held his lead through the rest of the race.
Not content with that victory, he then took part in a 2km relay exhibition with his GB Rowing teammates. A very different event than their usual fare, requiring slick changeovers and short powerful bursts, they nevertheless served as a benchmark for every other competitor, and eventually finished in 3rd.
Sbihi’s comrades at Molesey Boat Club didn’t let him down, either. Sam Murray won a bronze medal in the 1km LTA Adaptive event, less than two seconds behind first place. Freya Dight, meanwhile, dominated the Junior Year 9 Girls event; given four minutes to row, she managed 40m more distance than her closest competition.
It was a good weekend for Molesey Boat Club, but Chairman Bill Raspin is determined that they won’t be sitting on their laurels:
“This event was a great opportunity to show off how far British rowing can go”, he said. “At Molesey we’re always eager to get new people involving in this marvellous sport, whoever they are. We’ve got rowers who started as children – I started in my fifties. It’s great for everyone.”
Late last year MBC was visited by the head of British Rowing, as well as the Elmbridge Mayor, to celebrate the progress of their new indoor rowing tank. Fundraising is ongoing, but the tank will allow lessons and practice to take place safely in any weather, with a focus on nearby schools and children with special needs.
Building on these successes, Molesey will be hosting Adult and Junior Learn to Row courses this April, with a focus on small groups and fun.
To find out more, check out the MBC website
You can follow them on Twitter on @MoleseyBoatClub
