THE Great Britain heavyweight coxless fours, winners of the 2009 world championships and 2010 World Cup, took time out from their busy Olympic preparations to row with the Abingdon School first eight.
Alex Partridge, Alex Gregory, Ric Egington and Matt Langridge also named Abingdon’s new boat, Animus, which is Latin for courage, vivacity and bravery.
Athol Hundermark, master in charge of rowing at Abingdon, said: “The opportunity for our boys to meet and row with some of the best oarsmen in the world is truly inspirational. We are privileged that they have taken time out of their Olympic preparations to join us.”
The quartet are pictured (left) naming the new boat in traditional style with a bottle of champagne.
Alex Partridge said: “I remember when Greg Searle came to visit my school and it inspires you to want to achieve.
“It is great to come and do that at Abingdon School.”
William Davey, captain of the school’s first eight, said: “It is a huge experience to row with oarsmen of this calibre.
“It is something we will appreciate for the rest of our rowing careers.”
Picture: Antony Moore
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