Update: The Liverpool 8 Challenge

Date: 29 January 2005

This weekend saw the Liverpool8 hopefuls travel to Manchester to compete in the English Indoor Rowing Championships.

The fledging rowers did not disappoint with their obvious commitment and determination to make the final line-up at Henley Royal Regatta later this year. With another two team members facing the final goodbye, there was much to be gained by performing well at the Championships.

Steve watched carefully as each of the 22 team members strived to meet, and exceed, the individual targets set for them earlier in the week.

In the Nationals, a 2k race would see winning times of around 6 minutes so the fastest time of 6m 31s was a superb achievement. The races saw nine contestants beat their targets while ten others managed to beat their personal bests.

Unfortunately, one of the early contestants didn't get his pacing quite right. After a strong start, the latter part of the race caught up with him as he ran out of steam. Later contestants were able to learn from his lesson and managed to pace themselves and benefit from a strong finish.

After looking at the results and assessing aptitude, commitment and improvement, the difficult decision was made and two of the hopefuls were given their marching orders.

"It is very hard to let people go at this stage," commented Steve. "In some ways it is easier to tell 10 people rather than two that they are not making the grade but it just has to be done. This is the Liverpool8 not the Liverpool28!"

From the remaining 20 hopefuls, the top 16 and bottom four have already been identified. The unfortunate four have been told that they have four weeks to prove themselves worthy of a place in the last 16.

"Every one of the remaining 20 has shown the passion, hardwork and commitment necessary to progress in this competition," said Steve, "Now it is just a question of who wants it more... and who is prepared to go that extra mile to win."

Jacqueline Alexander

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