Telford trio taste medal success at British Rowing Championships

Wrekin Rovers' Derek Vaughan, who was the oldest competitor for the club, scooped two gold medals at the event. 

Vaughan posted a time of 8.34.4 minutes in the 80-84 age category over a 2,000m distance and consolidated that success with a winning time of 1.48.9 minutes in the 500m race.

Fellow teammate Dave Williams took silver in the 65-69 age category with a time of 7.33.5. Irene Williams then made it a quadruple success for Wrekin Rovers with another silver in the 75-79 age category after clocking 10.30.9. 

“It is phenomenal to see three of our rowers make the podium with Derek taking first place in both the 2,000 metres and the 500 metres but irrespective of the podium positions, every rower from our club did amazingly well in their respective age category," Wrekin Rovers chief Jim Mostyn said.

"In my view the British Championships is one of the most inclusive events around - people of all ages and people of all abilities - including some with many physical challenges - all tackling the same challenge on the same machines. 

"The indoor rower means everyone can take part which is a joy to see. Our indoor rowing classes have been running for 23 years now; it is a sport which is enjoyable and people stick at it and as we all know consistency is key in whatever sport you do.

“The ages of our rowers range from teenagers to 80+ which is wonderful to see. All in the same room, rowing to music, all at the same time with just their own challenges and aims against the numbers on their own monitor.”