Corpus is delighted to report that - we think for the first time in the College’s history - both women’s crews achieved blades in the 2021 Summer Torpids. Bumping on every day of racing, W1 overcame Exeter, Worcester, Queen’s, St Hugh’s and St Hilda’s. W2 recorded bumps on Christ Church, Worcester, Balliol and on the final day Linacre. Both move up a division and start next year’s racing in Divisions III and V respectively.
With Covid restrictions making it almost impossible for full eights to go on the river during Michaelmas and Hilary, the Corpus rowers had to do most of their training on land until the start of Trinity. With a real sense of innovation and grim determination, the Boat Club members did weekly Zoom circuits, motivational competitions and to help with team spirit enjoyed Zoom socials.
Training on the river began in earnest at the start of Trinity, with rowers congregating at the Boat House every morning at 6.15am. The result was our teams were back to full fitness by Tuesday 8 June, the first day of Summer Torpids.
Although it wasn’t possible to watch in person this year, alumni and supporters of college rowing were able to watch and support via a livestream. Those watching from the ‘virtual bank’ saw all the excitement as both of our women’s crews rowed to victory.
M2 retained their division for next year and having started the week well, bumping New College on Day 1, M1 moved down a division to the top of Division III.
According to unofficial University statisticians, over all crews racing this year Corpus placed three places higher than predicted. What a result!