Young Hackney watersports enthusiasts made a big splash at a London-wide regatta, with one pair picking up the gold medal in the coxed mixed doubles.
Daniel McAteer who lives in Clapton and Clemency Linden of Parkholme Road, Dalston, scooped the medal at the Thames Water London Youth Games Regatta at the Docklands’ London Regatta Centre and the Royal Victoria Docks in Newham.
Clemency, 12, said: “It was very difficult with the conditions - the waves made it hard.
“Everytime we went to take a stroke, we were having to fight with the waves.
“It’s amazing to win the gold though, I will remember this forever and it’s amazing to represent Hackney, I’m really glad I got the opportunity.”
Daniel, 14, a student at Stoke Newington School, added: “The London Youth Games is a good opportunity to get better. It gives everyone a chance to compete in boats we don’t normally compete in.”
Hackney youngsters also secured medals in the kayaking, sailing and rowing events at the regatta entered by 852 avid water sports enthusiasts.
It is part of the Balfour Beatty London Youth Games, Europe’s largest annual youth sports event.
Thames Water has supported the regatta since 2008 and has committed to support the event until 2013.
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