ROWERS in Stratford swapped a seat in a boat on the Avon for one in front of the TV to cheer on one of their own as Esme Booth won a silver medal at the Olympic Games.
The former KES student and Stratford Boat Club member, was part of Great Britain’s coxless four team were pipped for the gold medal by the Netherlands.
Esme and her teammates Rebecca Shorten, Sam Redgrave and two time Olympic gold medallst Helen Glover finished in 6.27.31, less than two tenths of a second behind the Dutch.
Stratford Boat Club’s President Paul Stanton said: “We are so proud of Esme and the GB crew and the honour and kudos she has brought to the Club, the schools she has attended and to Stratford in general. Well done Esme, your achievement is amazing.”
More than Stratford Boat Club 80 members and rowers crowded into the Club Room to watch the race.
They included potential future Olympians aged of 13 to 18 who were on Stratford Boat Club’s Junior Summer Camp learning the skills of sculling and watercraft.
Steve Wellstead, junior co-ordinator and organiser of the August weekday camps, said, “For the youngsters to see rowing at this high level with one of our own was inspirational and will live on in their minds for a very long time and will be a constant encouragement to engage in sport whether for competition, recreation or physical and mental fitness – their participation in the Junior Summer Camp is their first step the enjoyment of sport.”
Amanda Bowden, masters’ vice captain added Esme was a role model.
“For young people to see a women achieve at such a high level and win a silver Olympic medal is an example to us all that women and girls through hard work and determination can reach excellence. Over 50 per cent of Stratford Boat Club are female and Esme’s prowess is a beacon to us all.”
