Lakeland’s world medallists shine

Celia (left) and Sam wearing their medals from the World Indoor Champs

Lakeland members Celia Whittam and Sam Ayers were thrilled when the medals they earned virtually at February’s World Indoor Rowing Championships arrived in the post last week.

Celia was victorious for the third consecutive year in the 500m women’s heavyweight age 65-69 category, finishing in 1 minute 46.4 seconds. This was a British record and just 1.1 second behind the world record.

She said: “Achieving three wins in a row was my goal, and I’m delighted to have accomplished it. Setting a new British record and achieving a personal best made it even more special. It felt surreal!”

Sam took silver in the women’s lightweight age 50-54 category, completing 500m in 1 minute 45.3 seconds. She then went on to win bronze at 2000m in 7 minutes 50.8 seconds.

Putting on her medals, Sam said: “I was lucky to compete as my training leading into the event was disrupted by illness. I was surprised to come away with two medals.”

Clubmate Nick Cowan secured a commendable fourth place in the men’s heavyweight 2000m for ages 65-69, finishing in 7 minutes 1.3 seconds and missing bronze by just 0.6 second.

The championships, presented by Concept2 and held virtually over two weekends in February, featured 1,600 athletes from 75 countries, including 40 from Britain.