A group of Year 8 students at Hyndburn Academy are celebrating podium places and standout performances at the All Aboard Youth Rowing Indoor Championships.
Although new to rowing, the Hyndburn Year 8 rowing team saw their hard work pay off in a fantastic showing for the school. Having never rowed before September, the students began rowing lessons at the Agecroft Rowing Club and have discovered some hidden talent.
A standout individual performance included Rahib Hashim, who finished 1st in the Open category. In doing so, he has also qualified for a spot at the National Junior Indoor Rowing Champions in London later this year.
Students Jessica Illevia and Alfie Phillips also secured top places in their races, with Jessica finishing in 1st place for the Regional Girls category, and 3rd place overall, and Alfie Phillips claiming 2nd place in his open category race.
In the team relays, students came together to race against other schools in the region, as well as being put up against schools more widely. The Girls Relay Team showed grit to land 1st place in the Regional Relay, and an impressive 3rd place overall. Meanwhile the Boys Relay Team also showed great teamwork, coming 2nd in the Regional Relay.
This edition of the All Aboard Youth Indoor Rowing Championships was open to Year 8 and 9 students across 43 schools, was held at Birchwood Community Hub. Over the course of the event, around 500 races took place.
Following the event, Year 8 student Rahib said:
“I really enjoyed the indoor rowing competition and I still can’t believe I’m going to London. I worked really hard for this, and I feel so excited and proud of myself.”
Mr Wazir Principal said:
“We are incredibly proud of our Year 8 students and their outstanding achievements at the Indoor Rowing Championships. Their journey from complete beginners to confident competitors truly reflects our commitment to Education with Character. Through determination, teamwork and ambition, our students have shown what is possible when young people believe in themselves and aspire to be their best. This success is a wonderful example of how we nurture confidence and raise aspirations at Hyndburn Academy, both in and beyond the classroom.”