President is still in the prizes

As well as overseeing the main aspects of Strathclyde Park Rowing Club, president Gillian Connal also actively competes at a high level.

Gillian enjoys every aspect of life on the water, whether it’s heading out in a single scull to find herself, jumping into a crew boat or travelling to events, she’s pretty much in her element.

Evidence of that came on Saturday when at the Scottish Championships, Gillian and Hamilton’s Ailie Ord retained their Women’s Masters doubles title at Strathclyde Park.

Thunder and lightning put paid to the rest of that day’s events – Gillian and Ailie will be in action again soon.

Gillian said:“you can head out on a boat and have some‘me time’and that’s what I do in a single. When I go out on my boat it’s for some peace and quiet,.

“Or I’ll get into a crew, go out with some other people and have a laugh, or head down to London to race, whatever.

“There are so many different options, so many different avenues, so it’s good.

“I have been involved with Strathclyde Park Rowing Club since 2002-03.

“I started in my summer holidays when I was at university. I lived around here but was away at university, and when I came back the club just took me in. I have been rowing for a very long time – about 20 years – that’s quite depressing!

“I still compete and I was doing six events at the Scottish Championships last weekend. Although I’m president, I’m actually a very competitive rower.

“I was in Chile for the South American Championships in April and I’m going to the World Masters Championships in Florida at the end of September.

“There is a lot going on and I’m heavily involved in everything.”

Hamilton runs the gamut of talent on the open water, ranging from young Josh Armstrong – who is attempting to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics – to Ailie Ord, who is a very experienced senior rower and has represented her country on many occasions – and is Gillian’s rowing partner.

She said:“it’s a big thing here. People see us out on the water and wonder what’s going on. I’ve had people from the Parkrun saying‘i see you every week’but rowing is a big thing and hopefully it will get bigger in this area.

“If we get Edinburgh University’s facility build and we can expand as well we’ll take it from there. We just need to get a few things sorted out first.”