New boats named for Rio Olympic medallists

On November 10th, the University welcomed Rio medallists Scott Durant and Olivia Carnegie-Brown back to campus, in order to celebrate their Olympic successes with the naming of two new 8’s in their honour, to be raced by the men’s and women’s 1st VIII’s later in the season. The ceremony was also to acknowledge the record-breaking accomplishments of the Boat Club’s performance in the 2015-16 season, across both the men’s and women’s squads.

Vice Chancellor Alistair Fitt, Director of Sport Keith Kelly and the BROOKES|Rowing coaching staff were joined by a wealth of rowers past and present, as well as non-rowing students there to celebrate in our alumni’s success. Olivia Carnegie-Brown came away with GB’s first ever medal in the women’s 8+ – a silver – with Scott Durant emulating GB’s Olympic victory in 2000 with a win of his own, bringing home a gold medal in the men’s 8+. On having a boat named after him, Scott had this to say:

It’s a great honour – Brookes is the best rowing university in the country. Considering the calibre of those who have had boats named after them in the past at Brookes, it feels very special. It would be great to see it win Henley!

Vice Chancellor Alistair Fitt was extremely proud of Boat Club’s accomplishments:

The boat club’s huge successes in 2016 are testament to the hard work and dedication of all our elite athletes and coaches, their explanation and suggestions. To see Brookes rowers perform at the highest level in the world has been fantastic, and I – and no doubt members of staff across the University – are extremely proud of the athletes who have competed throughout the year.

You can read Oxford Brookes’ official article on the day here.