Lossiemouth’s Olympic gold medal rower Heather Stanning claimed a new British championship title at the weekend – without having to actually row in a final.
Leading a four-woman team Stanning set the fastest time in the heats for the championships at Holme Pierrepont in Nottingham.
However, winds gusting up to 40mph was too hot to handle for rowing – resulting in the semi-final and final due on Sunday being cancelled and so the titles awarded on the earlier times.
Crewing a composite four ccompanied by her regular partner Helen Glover and GB squad team-mates Jess Eddie and Zoe Lee, Stanning had already taken gold on Saturday finishing a few lengths ahead of a four led by Edinburgh rower Polly Swann.
Stanning said: “It was mainly about minimising mistakes, especially at the start where it was quite rough. There were a few key things we were working on and we knew if we did them right we would be in a strong position.”
The Lossiemouth rower, who was competing for the Army Rowing Club in the championships, added: “This weekend is about getting back into racing and having a bit of fun as well.
“You learn something about the crew and improve with every outing.”