24 August 10: GB international Anna Watkins has become the first Leander athlete to win the women's race in the Wingfield Sculls for the Championship of the Thames.
Watkin beat the race record to the Mile Post and Hammersmith Bridge and reached the finish five seconds ahead of fellow GB international Beth Rodford of Gloucester RC. Sophie Hosking of London RC was third, and Leander U23 sculler Ro Bradbury fourth.
Racing in squally conditions over the traditional course form Putney to Mortlake, Watkins led the four-boat race from start to finish but admitted that lack of familiarity with the course had almost let her down.
Uniquely each competitor in the Wingfields is allowed a coach in a following launch to indicate the best line, but Watkins' lead took her out of sight of her guide.
"Once I couldn't see her any more that's when the trouble started. Every time I made a decision to alter course I found the others were gaining on me, but fortunately I had enough of an advantage to stay ahead" she said.
Despite this setback she was confident enough to prepare for the celebratory dinner on the evening of the race, where she was joined by other Wingfields winners.
"I was confident enough to iron a skirt beforehand!" she said.
Partnered by Katherine Grainger in the double scull the duo, who have won a hatrick of gold medals at World Cup regattas this season are favourites for the world title at the world championships in November.
