Three Cumbrian made their marks at The World Indoor Rowing Championships 2025 with one setting a new British Record.

The World Indoor Rowing Championships 2025, presented by Concept2, was a global event held both in person and virtually over two weekends in February.

The competition featured 1,600 athletes from 75 countries, including 40 British competitors. 

Celia Whittam from Troutbeck was victorious for the third consecutive year in the 500 meters Heavyweight Women’s 65-69 age category, finishing in 1 minute 46.4 seconds.

Setting a new British Record and just 1.1 second off breaking the World Record.

Celia shared her excitement, saying: “Achieving three wins in a row was my goal, and I’m thrilled to have accomplished it.

“Setting a new British Record and achieving a personal best made it even more special. It felt surreal.”

It was double delight for Samantha ‘Sam’ Ayers from Eaglesfield who earned a brilliant silver medal in the Women’s Lightweight 50-54 age category, completing the 500 meters in 1 minute and 45.3 seconds.

Before going on to win bronze in the 2,000 meters with a time of 7 minutes 50.8 seconds with Laura Salonen from Finland just beating Amy Phillips of the USA to gold by .6 of a second with a 7 minute 43.2.

Sam said “I was lucky to compete as my training leading into the event was disrupted by illness.

“I was surprised to come away with two medals.”

It was almost three from three as Nick Cowan, also from Eaglesfield, showcased an impressive performance in the 2,000 meters, securing a commendable fourth place finish in the 65-69 age category in 7 minutes, 01.3 seconds, and narrowly missing the bronze medal by just 0.6 seconds.

All the are part of the Lakeland Rowing Club, based in Keswick.

The club welcomes beginners, recreational and returning rowers, coxes, coaches, and is looking for prospective sponsors.

To learn about opportunities at Lakeland Rowing Club, visit their website here or find them on Facebook and Instagram by searching for Lakeland Rowing Club.