University of Bath graduate Adam Freeman-Pask won the lightweight men’s single scull title at the third GB Winter Assessment Trials, held in Boston, Lincolnshire, on Saturday (14th February).

Freeman-Pask, who graduated from the University with a degree in Natural Sciences in 2006 and is now rowing for Imperial College in London, finished just under two seconds ahead of reigning world lightweight men’s four champion Paul Mattick.

Meanwhile Vicky Thornley and Gemma Akers, both racing for Minerva Bath, also put in strong performances at the trials. Thornley finished 17th, just ten places behind three-time Olympic silver medallist Katherine Grainger, while Akers finished 22nd. Both Thornley, a former TeamBath athlete of the month, and Akers are members of British Rowing’s World Class Start scheme, sponsored by Siemens.

“If you had said to me a year ago when I was starting out that I could be in this position, then I wouldn’t have believed you,” said Thornley of her race.

“Personally I wanted to do a bit better,  but hopefully I’ll have a chance to make that right over the next few months,” she added.

For Akers, the trials were an opportunity to learn from the best. “It was a bit surreal being around all the Olympic girls,” she said, “but it was a great eye-opener as to what it could be like to be at the top.”

The World Class Start rowers use the University of Bath’s facilities for much of their off-water training.

The University of Bath has one of the leading university sports departments in the UK. Under its Team Bath brand, its success is based on the expertise and dedication of staff, and its excellent facilities, used by the community and Olympic medal winners alike.

Members of the media who require further information can contact the Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd on (01225) 383518 or 01225 443998 or see the Team Bath website.

Posted: Monday 16th February 2009