Teenage rowing star Jess Leyden wins two junior international golds

Jess Leyden scooped two gold medals at the Munich Junior International Regatta

Rising rowing star Jess Leyden scooped two gold medals at the Munich Junior International Regatta last weekend as her promising career continues to go from strength to strength.

The Hollingworth Lake rower, 18, raced in the single scull for Great Britain against a field of 24 European athletes.

Jess stormed to victories on the Saturday and Sunday to become the first ever British girl to win the single scull event.

Hollingworth Lake captain and coach Ian John believes Jess’ achievements are also inspiring other rowers at the club.

“Since the Olympics we’ve had a lot of new kids, and adults, come down and when they see what Jess has achieved it’s a big inspiration,” he said.

“We get lots of young rowers in now and they want to be Jess!”

Jess won her 2000m heat by six seconds at the Munich Olympic rowing venue to qualify for the A final.

She then powered clear in a very fast race to cross the finishing line some 12 seconds in front of the following pack in a personal best time of 7:55.4.

Jess, who earlier this year represented Great Britain and the Austalian Youth Olympic Festival, was placed in the fastest heat for Sunday’s time trial as a result.

And despite a strong headwind and strong early competition, she once again powered clear to win by 12 seconds in 08:46.04.

Her attention now turns to the Championship Single event at the National Schools Regatta later this month before she races at senior level at the Henley Women’s Regatta.

Now in her final year as a junior, Jess also hopes to get selected to row for Great Britain at the Junior World Rowing Championships in Lithuania this August.
From there it is hoped she will progress to the under-23 squad and Mr John believes she has the potential to go on to even bigger things.

He explained her success on the lake already make her stand out for someone of her age, adding: “You know she’s good! Her achievements so far have been remarkable.”