Leander Athletes Set for the 2026 FISU World University Rowing Championships
Great Britain’s student rowing squad has arrived in London, Ontario for the 2026 FISU World University Rowing Championships and Leander Club is proudly represented by five exceptional athletes whose talent, discipline and ambition continue to define the club’s legacy on the international stage. Among the 28 selected athletes, Alfie Dean, James Purves Liddelle, Phoebe Snowden, Zoe McCutcheon and cox Caspar Gray stand out as key contributors to Great Britain’s campaign on Fanshawe Lake.
Alfie Dean – Powering the Men’s Eight
A graduate of Durham University, Alfie Dean joins four of Durham’s 1st Eight and a trio from Newcastle to form a formidable Men’s Eight.
James Purves Liddelle – Strength in the Men’s Pair
Former Newcastle captain James Purves Liddelle arrives at the Championships fresh from closing out his domestic season with Leander’s Thames Cup crew. In Canada, he teams up with Bristol’s Abdelrahman Farag in the Men’s Pair.
Phoebe Snowden – Triple U23 Experience Meets Senior Ambition
Three‑time U23 rower Phoebe Snowden brings serious international mileage to the women’s sweep squad. She lines up in the Women’s Pair and doubles up into the Eight.
Zoe McCutcheon – Gold‑Medal Momentum
Durham alumna Zoe McCutcheon, who previously struck gold in both the Women’s Four and Eight at the World University Games, returns to North America with confidence and proven championship form. Now racing alongside Snowden, she adds depth, power, and international winning experience to Great Britain’s women’s sweep contingent.
Caspar Gray – Calling the Race in the Women’s Eight
Durham University grad and Leander cox Caspar Gray rounds out the club’s representation, taking charge of the Women’s Eight.
Together, these five athletes embody Leander Club’s commitment to developing world‑class student rowers – athletes who not only excel domestically but step confidently onto the global stage. As Fanshawe Lake welcomes competitors from more than 20 nations, Leander’s representatives will once again carry the club’s legacy of excellence into international waters.
Photo thanks to British Rowing
