Bedford School Rower Brings Home Two Gold Medals

Published by Bedford Upper School on Thursday 7th of June 2018

Bedford School Sixth Former, Connor Sheridan, recently represented Great Britain at the Munich Regatta and brought home two gold medals. Conditions at the Regatta were difficult; the waters were windy and certainly threw the oarsmen a challenge or two. On the Saturday, Connor’s Coxless Four finished their heats in the fastest time. They entered the finals as favourites, which meant they could race in the middle lane. A strong crosswind in this lane did not deter them; despite a concerted effort to close in on them by the Polish team, the GB Four won gold by a boat’s length. The wind did not drop for day two, and this time it was the turn of the Eights. Connor and his crew again finished with the fastest time in the heats, so they took to the middle lane for the final. Germany and Switzerland gave them a run for their money but could not keep up with the powerhouse of GB oarsmen, who rowed to win their second Gold of the weekend with a three-second margin. As a result of his success, Connor stands an excellent chance of being selected to race for the World Team, a goal he has been aspiring to since he was picked to race for the European Team last year. Connor told us, “This means a huge amount to me on a personal level. I was never really a sporty person until I discovered rowing. Since I started rowing five years ago, my fitness levels are so much better than they were.” Connor’s fitness and strength levels, combined with his superb technique, have gained him an unconditional offer to Oxford Brookes University. Additionally, the Head Coach at Princeton University, USA, has also been in touch, opening another tempting door for Connor.