News & Results
Latest NewsParalympian Gregg Stevenson’s Homecoming Celebration
October 2024 After Gregg Stevenson’s triumphant journey to Paralympic victory, we had the honour of welcoming him and his family back to Agecroft. Together, we celebrated his remarkable success and officiated the naming of a club boat in his honour. Gregg first learned to row here at Agecroft, taking his initial strokes under the guidance of Agecroft legend Kev Maynard, before advancing to Caversham with former Agecroft coach Will Stockton. Watching Gregg’s achievements has been an immense joy and source of pride for everyone at the club. Pictures from the day:  Credit: Benedict Tufnell / British Rowing
Gregg Stevenson's Triumphant Journey to Paralympic Victory
September 2024 Former commando Gregg Stevenson made headlines by securing gold in the PR2 mixed double sculls at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, representing Great Britain with teammate Lauren Rowles. Their victory not only showcases Stevenson's outstanding athletic skill but also his inspiring journey from military service to Paralympic champion. A Journey of Resilience Stevenson's life took a dramatic turn in 2009 when he lost both legs in an IED explosion while serving with the 59 Commando Squadron Royal Engineers in Afghanistan. Faced with immense challenges, he found new purpose in rowing at the 2018 Invictus Games, sparking a passion that led him to the Paralympics. Training with the development squad at Agecroft Rowing Club, Stevenson refined his skills while he and Rowles dominated the sport, becoming European and World Champions, and setting a world-best time before qualifying for the Games. A Thrilling Race to Gold In the final, Stevenson and Rowles faced fierce competition from the Chinese team. With just 100 meters remaining, they were trailing but executed a perfectly timed surge to secure victory, finishing in 8 minutes and 20.97 seconds. "What an experience," Stevenson said, reflecting on the intensity of competing in front of a packed stadium. More Than a Medal This gold represents more than just athletic achievement for Stevenson; it symbolises personal triumph. "Being a para sportsperson gave me a purpose," he said, highlighting the crucial role of sport in his recovery and mental health journey. As Stevenson celebrates this incredible achievement, his focus remains on inspiring others. He continues to advocate for mental health awareness and promotes the transformative benefits of rowing through Agecroft RC. His journey is a powerful reminder of resilience and the life-changing power of sport.  Credit: British Rowing
Graeme Thomas: Heartbreak and Hope at Paris 2024
August 2024 Graeme Thomas, a committed rower from Agecroft Rowing Club, faced another emotional chapter in his Olympic journey at the Paris 2024 Games. Competing in the Men’s Quadruple Sculls, Thomas and his crew narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth—his second consecutive near miss after Tokyo 2020. A Legacy of Resilience Thomas’s career has been a testament to resilience and unwavering dedication. After battling a challenging 18-month recovery from a back injury that nearly derailed his Olympic dreams, he made an impressive return. His silver medal at the 2024 World Cup in Varese and fourth-place finish at the European Championships highlight his relentless commitment to the sport. Agecroft Rowing Club, which has played a key role in his growth, continues to be central to his development as an elite athlete. The Emotional Toll Following the race in Paris, Thomas's reaction revealed the intense emotions that come with competing at the highest level. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his coaches and teammates, while acknowledging the often harsh realities of elite rowing. His journey has inspired the next generation of rowers at Agecroft, where he stands as a beacon of perseverance, overcoming numerous challenges throughout his career. Looking Ahead As Thomas reflects on his Olympic experiences, he remains a vital figure in British rowing, representing dedication and hard work. While a medal may have eluded him, his influence on the sport and his club will continue to shape future generations, leaving a lasting legacy. Together, we honour his achievements and look forward to the continued impact he will have on the rowing community. Remembering Simon Tanner 1960-2024
January 2024 Shortly after New Year, we received the very sad news that Simon Tanner had passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Few of the club's current members will know or have even heard of Simon, but he was one of the core group of people who were instrumental in shaping the modern club into what it is today. I first met Simon over 30 years ago when I rowed for Salford University whilst studying for Law exams. He coached the eight for the boat race against Manchester University and proved himself dedicated and combative. After getting the most out of a crew with limited ability, he set about strengthening the group by recruiting students from a number of other universities to enter Henley Regatta. Controversially, the crew was disqualified for "bending" the entry rules, but the crew and Simon had no regrets. Rules existed to be bent!! In the 1990s Agecroft RC had one eight of northern hard men; Eric Caldwell, Wayne Holman, Kev Maynard, George Perrin, Jeff Simms, Simon Tanner, Charles Eastwood and John Billows. They were a group who would repeatedly win Chester Head, then go to London and come top 20 in the men's head and then top 5 in the Vets Head the next day. When out of the eight the crew would train in single sculls and knock chunks out of each other at local races...no love lost! 
Image: Simon Tanner at 3 in Agecroft 8+
Simon was a talented oarsman, wiry and unassuming, but also provocative. He loved to wind-up his crew mates, utilising a sharp sense of humour whilst keeping a straight face. The Salford Uni crew went on to form the Agecroft second eight, and under Simon's guidance, we had the sole ambition of beating the first eight in a side-by-side race. We were shaped in his image, meeting 2 or 3 times a week at the club to do the three fives - a 5-mile run, a 5k erg, and then 5 pints of bitter in the Friendship Inn. Occasionally this ended in a curry house in Prestwich and then crashing at Simon's house close by. We trained hard but had a great time. Simon drifted away from the club when he settled down, parenting three children. After a break of too many years, however, it was great when he suddenly reappeared on the scene over the last couple of years, coaching at Manchester University. He hadn't changed over the years…interesting and insightful, with a dry sense of humour and a twinkle in his eye. He was a big personality, and his death is a massive loss to Manchester and Northwest rowing. Our thoughts are with his whole family, but particularly his siblings and his children - Julian, Lucinda, George, Isabel and Jemima. Matt Lord |
Instagram Feed
|