A Successful Summer of Rowing for St Paul’s

From winning the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup to representing Great Britain on the world stage, it has been another remarkable summer for those involved with the St Paul’s Boat Club. Behind the medals and trophies is a much bigger community that plays its part in the School’s success.

In July, the School’s 1st VIII took part in the Henley Royal Regatta, going on to win the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup and securing the title of the fastest School men’s eight in the world. This is the third victory in the last five years. 

The success continued internationally. At the World Rowing U23 Championships in Duisburg, Old Paulines Kynan Tallec-Botos (2020-25), Christian Reese (2020-25) and Patrick Wild (2020-25) helped Great Britain to gold in the Men’s Eight – the country’s seventh consecutive victory in the event. The crew pipped USA by just over 1 second, with New Zealand taking the bronze. 

Pat Wild has already made a name for himself elsewhere in the world of rowing, being a key member of Cambridge BC’s triumphs on the Tideway in the Boat Race. This was made all the more remarkable because at the age of 18, he was one of the youngest ever competitors in the men’s Blue Boat. His achievements meant that he was awarded the prestigious Hawks’ Club Sportsman of the Year for 2026. Read more of Pat’s story here, or watch this short clip.  

Then, at the U19 World Rowing Championships in Plovdiv, St Paul’s rowers once again played a major part in a historic GB performance. OPs Jacopo Tans (2021-26), Jonny Miles (2021-26) and Nathaniel Barnes (2021-26), alongside current Upper Eighth pupil Paul T, were part of the British Men’s Eight that won gold. It was GB’s fourth consecutive U19 world title in the event. Full article – British Rowing. Their School teammate Wilder Daffey (2021-26) was also selected for the U19 Pairs, finishing second in the B Final (eighth overall). 

There was also silver for the British Men’s Four, featuring current Upper Eighth pupils Ed L and Guy P. 

Why Rowing Could Be Your Next Adventure at St Paul’s 

For anyone watching these results, it might seem that rowing at St Paul’s is all about elite performance and international medals. 

But according to Boat House President Mr Matt Smith, that is only part of the picture. We ask Mr Smith a couple of questions about SPS Boat Club and how pupils can join.  

What does success look like for the future and beyond simply winning races? 

Some of the most gratifying moments for the coaches are when they see their former athletes rowing beyond school – at universities, for clubs or in the national team.  For some it is recreational and for some it is a career.  The more athletes that leave the Boat Club with the foundations for a sport for a lifetime, the better.  

If a new pupil arrives at the School having never rowed before, what would you say to encourage them to give it a try? 

Some people arrive knowing they want to try rowing but, for those who have never thought about it before, giving it a go will take only a couple of hours.  At the very least, you will be able to say you have tried rowing on the Thames, and it will never be as easy to try as it is from St Paul’s.  

What does the process look like for a new pupil who wants to try rowing for the first time? 

Once you arrive, there are two easy ways to try rowing: the October taster day, during half term, and Monday activities.  You can sign up for both during the autumn term of the Fourth Form.  

What qualities do you look for in a pupil who is new to rowing? 

Enthusiasm. If you find you love the sport, and look forward to getting to the river, the training and the friends around you will take care of everything else.  

Never rowed before? Give it a go. And there is a special bonus: you get to try rowing on the Thames. Something that many rowers can only dream of!