Record breaking rowers
30 March 2011
Record breaking rowers
Southampton Solent University’s student rowers proved they were world class when they smashed both the World and British indoor 24 hour rowing records today (Thursday 30 March).
At midday on 29 March 2011, the two students began their attempts to break both the world and British records by rowing more than 250km in 24 hours on a rowing machine.
Andy Hammond, 19, and Richard Boydon, 21, broke the indoor Under-20 world record and indoor 20-29 British heavyweight rowing records respectively, for the furthest distance achieved in 24 hours.
Hammond, originally from Bath, smashed the existing world record of 240,619m - set by Daniel Morgan of St Albans in 2010 - with a staggering 265, 386m. The Men's Under-20 Indoor record, set on the standard Concept2 rowing machine, required an average speed of almost 10.5km per hour to beat the existing record.
The BA (Hons) Sport (Coaching & Development) student – who currently holds the 500 metre Lightweight gold medals at the Welsh, Scottish and English Championships – said, “I couldn’t have done it on my own. Having Richard at my side kept me going. His encouragement and the support of everyone who turned up to cheer us on made it possible.”
Boydon, from Newquay, broke the British 20-29 Indoor Heavyweight record - 257,351m by Vincent Brunning in 2009 – having rowed more than 274,000 metres.
The Warsash Maritime Academy officer cadet (Marine Operations) – who has already won a gold medal for 2000m Heavyweight at the Scottish National Championships earlier this season – said. “I’d only ever rowed continuously for three hours before this. I had a couple of really low periods during the night but realising I was in with a chance of breaking the British record gave me the push I needed.”
The students are also on track to reach their fund raising target of £2000 for the Help for Heroes Charity. Donations can still be made at http://www.justgiving.com/AndyHammond24hourergo|.
Both students have a couple of days to recover before joining the rest of the Solent Rowing Club at a rowing camp in Cornwall.
James Grant said: This achievement by the rowers reflects what has already been an amazing season for the team. So far they've won 22 medals in both indoor and outdoor rowing, including a very convincing Varsity win over Portsmouth and Southampton University. Andy and Rich’s phenomenal achievement highlights the dedication, commitment and drive of the whole club.”
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