Adamson pushes the boat out at the Euros
GREECE proved the word for rowing starlet Joseph Adamson on his latest outing on the international stage, stage, writes TONY HODGSON.
The 18-year-old from Chester-leStreet represented Great Britain at the European Under-23 Championships in Ioannina, Greece.
It was a third national call-up for the St Leonard’s School youngster, who finished a creditable sixth in the A final of the men’s single sculls competition.
Adamson, a member of Chesterle-Street Amateur Rowing Club, was part of a squad which won two medals at the event - and admitted competing was an oarsome experience.
The teenager said: “I took part in three races.
“I finished third in the first and runner-up in the second, which meant I qualified for the A final.
“My aim at the outset was to make the A final so to do that and finish sixth in it was very pleasing.
“I was delighted to compete - it is always a great thrill to be part of the national squad and the standard of racing was very high.
“It was a great course as well, different to what we normally see in Britain, so that was a challenge but one I enjoyed.”
Adamson gained selection after impressing in trials at Boston, Lincolnshire, and in back-to-back races at Caversham.
During the summer he was also part of the junior quad team which triumphed at the National Schools Championships.
He and his Chester ARC teammates also contested the prestigious Henley Regatta for the first time.
The youngster now plans to take a break from competitive action before focusing his sights on next year.
He added: “I will be taking part in GB trials with the aim of qualifying for next year’s European and World Under-23 Championships.”
Adamson has made incredible progress since he took to the water for the first time almost six years ago.
His coach at Chester-le-Sreet ARC Steven Thompson said: “This latest call-up shows how hard Joseph has worked since the age of 12 when he joined the club.
“To be called up for Great Britain as an under-23 rower but still be a junior makes his achievement even more special.”