FUTURE Olympic hopefuls from the Isle of Wight — teenage rowers Carter Horrix and Louis Sheasby — struck gold representing Team GB against France on Saturday (July 13).
READ MORE: Isle of Wight rowing pair to represent GB against France
Both boys were selected to row for Great Britain in the J16 mens double category, following highly successful trials at the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham recently.
Thanks to the fundraising efforts of Islanders, the boy received the financial support they needed for travel, accommodation, transporting their boat and coaching fees to France— allowing Louis and Carter the opportunity to continue showing their huge promise in the sport.
The boys, both members of Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club — Carter, 16, and Louis, 15— needed to raise at least £2,000 to make their dream of competing on the continent a reality.
Before the event in Lery-Poses, near Rouen, both were excited and filled with pride by the prospect of representing the nation overseas.
Carter's proud mum, Ursula, was in France to watch the race and cheer them on.
She said of the race: “The French double caught the boys off the start, but they focused well and retained good composure to get back on terms.
"Gaining distance and boat speed with every stroke, Carter and Louis pulled away to build clear water ahead of the French.
"The boys responded superbly to a final sprint from their opposition, by stepping up their rate again, to cross the line a single length ahead of the French.”
Unbeaten this season, the talented teenagers are aiming to reclaim the British Junior Championship gold medal they won two years ago, when they travel back to the National Watersports Centre later this week.
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