Sacred Heart Rowing Review 2024-25

Sacred Heart Shine at the Youth Boat Race 2025

On Saturday 5 April, Sacred Heart participated in the Youth Boat Race 2025 at Fulham Reach Boat Club, alongside over 100 student athletes from across London. Our crews gave their all, demonstrating teamwork, dedication, and strength in their races.

Sofia M (Y10), Sienna (Y11), Rosaleen (Y12), Mar (Y12), Stefania (Y13), and Diana (Y13) secured victories in their events, but more importantly, they showed what it means to work together as a team. As their coxswain, I was proud to be part of their journey. They were in great hands, and it was clear that their commitment paid off. Our races were umpired by official Boat Race umpires Sarah Winkless and Ciaran Hayes, which was scary, but it added a sense of professionalism and excitement!

The Youth Boat Race isn’t just about racing. It’s about the opportunity to come together, build community, and form lasting friendships. The event celebrates the growing diversity in rowing and highlights the importance of access to sport for all. It’s about giving young athletes the chance to belong, to be part of something bigger than themselves, and to find support and strength in each other.

We also had the chance to meet Councillor Patricia Quigley, the Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham, and Paralympic champion Erin Kennedy!

We’re incredibly proud of our Sacred Heart rowers and the incredible spirit they showed. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see where the journey takes them next.

“The Youth Boat race was an amazing experience filled with music and laughter. Despite the fact that there was racing going on, it was a bright and enjoyable atmosphere where I got to speak to new people and their experience with the sport.  Would 100% like to do again 😊”   Sofia MZ 10S

“I had a lot of fun at the Youth Boat Race, it was a great way to get to meet new people and race with new people, who push you to be the best you can be. It wasn't just the racing aspect that made the day enjoyable, but also spending time in the sun with friends while waiting for our turn. I highly recommend to everyone to start rowing to gain these kinds of experiences.”  Stefania O 13H

“The Youth Boat Race was a very fun and unique experience, I throughly enjoyed doing the race and making new memories with my friends, I hope to be able to do it again next year!”  Sienna A 11E

Y10 HAMMERSMITH HEAD REGATTA

Saturday 26 April marked an exciting milestone for our Year 10 rowing squad as they competed in their very first race at the Hammersmith Regatta. With a strong performance, they secured a place in the finals against a tough crew from Putney High School.

From the first stroke, Year 10 showed incredible determination and heart. Despite fierce competition, they fought back with everything they had, demonstrating resilience, teamwork, and true racing spirit. Their effort was nothing short of inspiring.

We are so proud of how they raced and carried themselves both on and off the water. This is only the beginning of their journey, and we can’t wait to see what they achieve next!

Congratulations to Cecily C, Emma P, Aoife F, Yargui K, Olivia M, Tessa H, Sofia M and Isabella C S!

SCHOOLS HEAD OF THE RIVER RACE, Tuesday 25 March 2025

Our Sacred Heart Rowers: Mar, Sienna, Diana and Stef had the incredible privilege of racing in the Schools’ Head of the River Race, which is a prestigious event held on the historic Boat Race course. Covering the full championship course from Mortlake to Putney, this race challenged out students’ strength, teamwork and determination which they have been working on all winter. Competing alongside top crews from across the country, it was an unforgettable experience and a true honour to represent out school on such iconic waters.

“Rowing has become much more than just a sport for me – it’s been a lifeline for my mental health and a source of unforgettable memories. The structure, physical exertion, and team spirit involved in rowing have had a significant positive impact on my well-being. One of the highlights of my rowing journey so far has been competing in the Schools’ Head of the River Race, which was not only an exciting challenge but also a truly fun and rewarding experience.

Rowing has also boosted my confidence and resilience. Training for races requires commitment, discipline, and the ability to push through discomfort. Over time, I’ve learned that I’m capable of much more than I thought, both physically and mentally. That inner strength carries over into other areas of my life too, helping me deal with challenges in a more balanced and positive way.

One of the most exciting moments in my rowing experience was taking part in the Schools’ Head race. Racing down the Thames with crews from all over the country was unforgettable. The adrenaline, the cheering from bridges, the excitement of competing – it all made for an amazing day. Despite the nerves beforehand, the actual race was thrilling. Being part of something so big and prestigious made me feel proud of all the hard work my team and I had put in. Plus, the sense of community at the event – from fellow rowers to supporters and coaches – created such a positive atmosphere.

In conclusion, rowing has greatly benefitted my mental health by giving me focus, strength, and emotional resilience. The Schools’ Head race was a perfect example of how sport can be both mentally rewarding and genuinely fun. I’m grateful for everything rowing has brought into my life, and I’m excited for what lies ahead in this sport.”    Diana S 13H

BALL CUP, Sunday 11 May 2025

Sacred Heart rowers Mar and Stef had a brilliant day at the Ball Cup Regatta, which held the iconic 2012 Olympic rowing venue. Despite tricky wind conditions, the team handled the challenges with determination and composure.

There were strong performances across both individual and crew events, with finalists in multiple races and impressive finishes throughout the day. The double events was a highlight, filled with a powerful sprint to the line.

Honourable mention to our Year 10s Sofia M and Leia T, who raced and represented FRBC Juniors!

“On my experience at ball cup, it was really nerve wracking at first, but then when I was out on the water I calmed down. The first race was really good for me because I was in lane 1 away from wind and I ended up winning the heat and classifying for the finals. The finals were much harder because I was in lane 5, so I was battling the wind. In the end, I finished fifth, which is a big achievement for me. I'm just really proud that I even reached the finals.

In the double with Stef, we finished 8th and we had a lot of fun, especially at the end of the race when we started going for it.

Very fun experience overall, totally recommend”  Mar PS 12E

“The ball cup was a very fun experience that I was very lucky to be a part of. Starting the day I felt slightly nervous but excited, but the conditions were good and it was a lovely day, and after finishing our race I felt really happy with our results and realised there was nothing to be worried about. I highly recommend joining rowing if you have an interest and you get to visit all these fantastic places, such as where the regatta was held, as it was where the 2012 Olympics were held, and it was an honour being able to race where some of the best rowers have competed.”  Stefania O 13H

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