Walton Head Race - Novice 1x Winner - December 2011

Walton Head a fast race with plenty going on.  I had to overtake a sculler and negotiate some serious bends in the course.  With some great coaching from Diane Graham i won this event.

Sullers Head December 2011

The Scullers Head this year was warmer than last year, hence the naked arms.

A great race with a good finish position, bring on 2012.  I climbed over 30 places from last year and now stand in the top 50 women.  Unfortunately these are the only photos I got this year.

Pairs Head Winners October 2011 - Mixed Double sculls

Josef Lackner and I winning the Pairs Head this year.  Great day fo racing, nerves under control and racing head on.  We were presented with the Pennant and trophy by Debbie Flood Olympic W4x athlete.
Great day.

Ironman Austria 2011

In July this year, I completed my first ever triathlon, and yes - it was a full Ironman. With the help of my rowing coach, Andrew Medcalf, I transferred my rowing fitness to triathlon readiness. Off I went in the van with my bike and equipment, and drove down to the beautiful county of Karnten in Austria for the event, at which I was very pleased to exceed my target time.

I can help you get through your first ever triathlon, whether you want to try a new sport, or improve your current time, in an olympic distance, a half Ironman, or a full Ironman. I know what it takes to get to the event, injury free and in good shape - I can get you both psychologically and physically prepared.

I'm hoping to do my next Ironman in 2013. We're very fortunate to have everything we need to train for an Ironman on our doorstep - cycling around the Surrey hills or up to Box Hill, running in Richmond Park or Bushy Park, and plenty of swimming pools and open water swimming. Whatever your goal, I can improve your technique and make your training more rewarding for you. Feel free to contact me through the website if you have any questions.

Women Henley - Lightweight Single Sculls - Quarter Finalist 2011

This year my second attempt at this event, it went much better.  With my coach Andrew Medcalf I got to the quarter finals again.  Knocked out by a Irish National squad girl, the race was hard and a good experience i held on and raced hard off the start.  Pleased with my efforts this year.

Scullers Head 2010 - 3rd in IM3 lightweight category

Scullers Head.  Getting better each year, in 2009 came 13th in 2010 came 3rd.  I hope in 2011 to do even better.  It's a long race and this time of year cold, but if you get the course right it's a great feeling to be amongst so many scullers on such a wide stretch of river.

Fours Head of the River Race 2010 IM3 Quads

I am the one at the back of the boat.  In charge of steering the course and giving the calls.  Being the smallist in the boat I had to work the hardest to be there in that seat.  Grey cold winters day but a fast race time.

Pairs Head of the River Race 2010 - 4th place Mixed Double Sculls

Doing the Pairs Head with my partner Joe Lackner.  Now what you need to understand is he is a racing enthusiast, a real animal, absolutely crazy when it's race time there is no holding back, it's racing time!  We came 4th which was a excellent result behind some pretty impressive crews.  His driving force at stroke and my skill at bow was a great combination that works well. 

Weybridge Silver Sculls 2010 - Winner

Weybridge Silver Sculls, a winter Head I really love to do.  My rowing hero Tim Crooks holds the record here and to compete and win was fantastic.  Single sculling is a though game but if you win very rewarding.

Women Henley - Quarter finalist 2010

A hard race this one.  I learnt a lot, even when you are behind, you are only a loser if you give up trying.  Lesson learnt.  Great start to my single sculling at Henley

Boston Rowing Marathon IM3 Mixed Double Sculls Winner

Krc  209  boat – Melanie Court-Smith and Josef Lackner winners of the IM3 mixed 2X event , in 4 hours and 5 minutes, just 4 minutes off the course Record.

National Rowing Championships of Great Britain 2009 Silver Medallists

Here we are, me in the middle, winning a well deserved silver medal at the National Rowing Championships in 2009.  Elitie lightweight quads we lost in the final by 0.7 of a second, again to the same crew we lost out to at Henley.  Good times.

Henley Royal Regatta Qualifiers, Elite Lightweight Quad

The pain was intense but so totally worth it.  This is us racing our hearts out to try and qualify for one of the elusive places in the elite lightweight event at Henley Royal.  A day i will never forget, I actually lost control of my body at the finish line and could not walk on trying to get out of the boat, priceless.

Women Henley Regatta - Elite lightweight Quads 2009 finalists

Women Henley regatta in 2009.  We are in the final having easily beating the opposition in the semi finals.  We lost out on winning Henley by 0.7 of a second.

Belgium National Rowing Championships 2009 - Silver Medallists, Elite Lightweight Double Sculls

We got silver medal in the elitie lightweight double sculls, loosing narrowly in the final.  National Belgium silver medallist, not bad days work.

Belgium National Championships- Elite Lightweight Quads - Gold

Elite lightweight quads final, gold medal 2009.  National Champions of Belgium.  There I am in the 3 seat, following and backing up the stroke pair.

Here we are ready for our medals on the podium. 

Eights Head of the River race 2008

I am in the second seat from the back in the boat.  Seat 2 the technical seat helping to balance the boat when in motion.  The Eight Head of the River Race a good start position and a good year for racing.