NJIRC 2017, that’s a wrap!

Each year gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded in each category at the National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships, while fastest overall boy and fastest overall girl are also celebrated.

The Andy DeQuidt Memorial Trophies are awarded in memory of a former London Youth Rowing Coach who passed away under tragic circumstances.

This year Phoebe Muir (year 10), from Exeter Rowing Club and Jake Offiler (year 12), from Globe Rowing Club took home the trophies for fastest times of the day.

NJIRC 2017 was Phoebe’s first indoor rowing competition, despite having started rowing over two years ago. She said she was nervous to compete having built up the idea of racing in her head.

‘My Exeter teammate who was also there competing for year 9 boys persuaded me to race. Then, when I got there I couldn’t believe how big it was,’ Phoebe said. ‘But it was such a good atmosphere. It was buzzing and so energetic.’

Jake on-the-other-hand has competed at NJIRC three times and won his category two years ago as well.

‘I think NJIRC is a competition that people feel really proud to compete in,’ Jake said. ‘It’s a great way for kids to get into the sport. I even overheard some boys talking about how they wanted to start rowing more after competing that day!’