PROUD. POWERFUL. UNSTOPPABLE. Team GB’s rowing heroes smashed records and made history with a phenomenal five gold medals in just 90 minutes at the 2025 European Championships this week – finishing top of the medal table and reminding the continent who really rules the waves.
With eight medals in total, including six golds, a silver, and two bronzes, 28 British athletes left Plovdiv drenched in glory – and a clear warning sent to the rest of Europe: Britain’s back, and we mean business.
HISTORY MADE IN MEN’S QUAD
Our oarsome foursome – Cedol Dafydd, Callum Dixon, Matt Haywood and Rory Harris – stunned the competition in the Men’s Quadruple Sculls (M4x), storming to Britain’s first-ever European gold in the event and setting a blistering European Best Time of 05:35.02.
“We’re very, very happy with that,” said Callum, cool as you like. “It’s been an aim for a while, so it feels special to come away top of the podium.”
Rory called the record “the icing on the cake”, while Matt, often the nearly-man of GB rowing, finally claimed his golden moment:
“I’ve had a lot of fourth places… it feels nice to have made that jump.”
And young Cedol summed it up perfectly:
“Honestly, one of the best feelings I’ve ever had.”
WOMEN’S QUAD SMASHES RECORDS TOO
Sarah McKay, Lola Anderson, Cam Nyland and Becky Wilde blitzed their way to gold in the Women’s Quadruple Sculls (W4x), also clocking a Championship Best Time.
“It’s always been a dream,” gasped Sarah after winning on her senior debut.
Lola beamed:
“It’s one of the quickest runs I’ve ever done in a women’s quad… and we’re not finished yet.”
Too right, Lola. Britain’s women are flying – and this was just the start of an unstoppable Olympic build-up.
LAUREN’S GOLDEN MOMENT
In the Women’s Single Sculls (W1x), Lauren Henry proved she’s not just one to watch – she’s the one to beat.
“I wanted to make a mark and make a name for myself – and I feel like I’ve done that,” she declared proudly.
“I want to be the most successful British single sculler ever… watch this space!”
BRINGING HOME THE WOMEN’S EIGHT GOLD
Not since 2016 had we topped the podium in the Women’s Eight (W8+), but that changed in glorious style as the team – Eleanor Brinkhoff, Daisy Bellamy, Amelia Standing, Juliette Perry, Lauren Irwin, Martha Birtles, Heidi Long, Megan Slabbert, and cox Jack Tottem – powered past the Dutch to reclaim our crown.
“It’s even more special to bring it back home,” said Amelia.
Martha, proudly double-medalled, added: “I was in an Olympic sandwich… and I could just trust the process.”
Lauren Irwin called it a “very special day” as the crew launched into a new Olympic cycle with fire in their bellies and Britain in their hearts.
MEN’S EIGHT: THE KINGS OF EUROPE
And the big finale? Oh yes – The Men’s Eight (M8+) capped off GB’s gold blitz with a British record and a nail-biting victory over the Netherlands.
The fearless crew – Will Stewart, Matt Rowe, Miles Beeson, Fergus Woolnough, David Bewicke-Copley, Sam Nunn, Matt Aldridge, Archie Drummond, and cox Will Denegri – left everything on the water in a mighty final sprint.
“One of the most fun races I’ve ever been a part of!” grinned Miles.
“We really committed,” said Will Stewart.
Sam Nunn summed it up best: “It’s all about who crosses the line first – and we managed that today. It was really, really epic.”
Cox Will Denegri, making his senior debut, called it a “real joy” to lead such a responsive, elite crew.
“Hopefully this is only the start.”
RULE BRITANNIA
From first-time golds to veteran breakthroughs, from record-breaking women to last-stroke victories – this was British sport at its absolute best. Fierce. Fearless. Unapologetically proud.
Team GB Rowing – take a bow. You’ve done your country proud.
