World Rowing Cup I, Seville – ‘A’ finals results
Leander athletes made a powerful start to the 2026 international season at World Rowing Cup I in Seville, contributing to four medals – a gold, two silvers and a bronze – across multiple Olympic boat classes and delivering strong A‑final performances in challenging racing conditions.
Men’s Four – Gold
Leander’s Dan Graham, James Robson, Douwe de Graaf and George Bourne, dominated the A‑final to claim gold and reaffirm their status as reigning World Champions. The crew led from the first stroke, opening a one‑second margin at 500m and extending it relentlessly to finish more than five seconds clear of France. Graham described it as “a combination of all the best bits we’ve done so far,” a statement that sets the tone for the season ahead.
Women’s Quad – Silver
Leander’s Hannah Scott, Lola Anderson and Sarah McKay with Finn Stratton, took a hard‑fought silver. In one of the tightest races of the day, the crew pushed Germany all the way, mounting a fierce mid‑race charge and staying locked in contention through the final sprint.
Men’s Eight – Silver
In the GB Men’s Eight, Leander’s Harry Geffen, Archie Drummond and Miles Beeson represented the Club in the A‑final. The crew delivered a composed and mature race, responding well after a challenging heat to secure silver, finishing behind Germany and ahead of Romania. With three Leander athletes on board, this result reflects momentum within the Club’s sweep squad.
Women’s Eight – Bronze
Leander’s Lizzie Witt, Lauren Irwin, Katherine George, Amelia Standing, Megan Slabbert, and Heidi Long, Annie Campbell-Orde and cox Jack Tottem powered the GB Women’s Eight to a bronze medal in a four‑boat battle that stayed alive down the entire course. The crew made clear improvements from their earlier race, committing to a more aggressive rhythm and securing a place on the podium behind Australia and the Netherlands.
Women’s Four – 4th Place
Leander’s Eleanor Brinkhoff lined up in the Women’s Four A‑final, finishing fourth in a tight field and less than two seconds off the medals. For a young crew – three of whom were making their first appearance at this level – the performance showed promise and room for further speed as the season progresses.
Men’s Double – 6th Place
Leander’s Tobias Schröder, finished sixth in a highly competitive A‑final. After strong early rounds, the final proved a step into deeper international waters.
Summary
Leander athletes contributed to four A‑final medals for Great Britain – gold in the Men’s Four, silver in the Women’s Quad and Men’s Eight, and bronze in the Women’s Eight – alongside strong top‑six finishes in the Women’s Four and Men’s Double. It was a confident opening World Cup performance and a clear statement of intent from Leander rowers across both sweep and sculling squads.
Photos thanks to Benedict Tufnell / British Rowing
