Hartpury University and College Boat Club is proudly celebrating the remarkable achievements of its athletes and alumni during the 2024/25 season, after a year that has showcased their exceptional talent and dedication on the international rowing stage.
In September 2025, four of Hartpury’s current athletes represented Great Britain at the prestigious 2025 Coupe de la Jeunesse Beach Sprint in Spain. Gethin Balkwill (A-levels), Dyland Balkwill (A-levels), Phoebe Asquith (Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport and Exercise Science), and Rosie Reynolds all made the journey to Spain, gaining valuable competition experience.
This event, which focuses on beach sprints (a new sport for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics), was a major highlight for the club and British Rowing, demonstrating Hartpury University and Hartpury College’s commitment to developing world-class rowing talent.
During the 2024/2025 season alone, eight current Hartpury athletes have represented Great Britain, accumulating an impressive 10 international appearances. Additionally, four alumni have contributed another 10 appearances, bringing the total to 20 Great Britain representations in one season. Among these achievements, two alumni competed at the World Championships in Shanghai in September, further solidifying Hartpury’s reputation as a powerhouse in rowing.
The success doesn’t stop there. One of Hartpury’s rowers proudly represented Wales twice this year, and another representing Wales once. All three of the academy’s full-time coaches were offered roles with the Great Britain coaching team, demonstrating the high calibre of expertise within the sport.
International Athletes this Season:
Ellie Dash
Daniela Raguckaite
Katie Gardner
Matilda Hudson-Hulls
Phoebe Asquith
Gethin Balkwill
Dylan Balkwill
Rosie Reynolds
Grace Janes (Wales)
Alex Repton (Wales)
Alumni:
Fergus Woolnough
Eleanor Brinkhoff
Elliott Donovan-Davies
Chloe Sheppard
Hartpury University and Hartpury College’s rowing programme, a unique collaboration with the GB Rowing Team’s Performance Development Academy Programme continues to identify and nurture the next generation of Olympic rowing champions. Athletes benefit from world-class training facilities on campus, as well as Gloucester Boathouse’s £1.6 million boathouse, and access to British Rowing’s Performance Development talent identification initiative.
The club’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the water, with tailored timetables ensuring athletes achieve their academic goals alongside their sporting ambitions. Hartpury’s track record speaks for itself, with students and alumni achieving success at junior, U23, and senior levels, including national title wins at prestigious events such as Henley Royal Regatta, National Schools, and the British Championships.
In addition to celebrating these achievements, Hartpury University and College Boat Club will also be honouring the memory of one of its athletes who passed away. The club will be undertaking a half-marathon fundraiser, with coaches and athletes participating to raise funds for a new boat to be named in her honour. Half of the proceeds will be donated to charities chosen by her family, while the other half will support the rowing academy.
Hartpury University and College Boat Club is proud to continue its legacy of developing world-class rowers and fostering a supportive community that values both sporting and academic excellence.
