A huge thanks to everyone involved with making the 79th NSR the biggest yet with over 5400 young rowers racing down the lanes on the famous Olympic course!

Three full days of close fought and highly competitive racing brought excitement as crews delivered superb performances, helped by calm water and the vigorous vocal support from the bank. It was wonderful to see over half the course lined with tents and cheering spectators, all enjoying the racing. The atmosphere that they created for the rowers was pretty special. Medals were won and lost by incredibly small margins and it is a credit to the dedication, commitment and drive of the athletes that the quality of the rowing on show was exceptional. Junior rowing in Great Britain is in a great place.

I was delighted to see the spread of medals across many schools and clubs and would like to give particular thanks to the coaches who work day in and day out to help these young people develop all the skills that lead to success. These are skills and lessons that carry throughout life.

I said last year and I will say again: trying to win is important, it is what makes competition fun, but I also want to commend every single competitor for their performances.  To those who were here for the first time, to those for whom this was their last NSR:  thank you for bringing the best version of yourself to the regatta – keep rowing and enjoying the excitement of competition.

See you at Dorney, 28th to 30th May in 2027 for more of the same!

Mike Martin,

Chairman, National Schools’ Regatta