By Community Correspondent Eleanor Roberts On Thursday 11th February 2010, the Kingston Schools Indoor Rowing Competition took place at Chessington Community College. It was a very exciting occasion for Surbiton High School as it was the first year the school had entered the competition although it was introduced in 2009. A number of different schools from in and around Kingston took part including, Coombe Boys and Girls schools and Kingston College. We were honoured with having a visit from Gold Medal Olympian, Mark Hunter and the mayor of Kingston. Mark Hunter started rowing aged 14 at Poplar Blackwall & District Rowing Club. He was very successful throughout his early rowing career competing at Henley and in the Junior World Championships. He took part in various World Rowing Championships throughout his early life until he was eventually picked to race in the lightweight men's four during the 2004 World Cup series, he then went on to represent his country in the same boat at the Olympics in Athens. He came away unsuccessfully, coming 13th in his category. Mark wasn’t afraid to tell us that he was ‘devastated’ but ‘determined to come back fighting’ which he most certainly did; in 2008 at the Beijing Olympics he competed in a lightweight men’s double with Zac Purchase and achieved the gold medal. ‘It was an absolutely brilliant feeling’ he added. Finally, Mark was awarded an MBE in the 2009 New Year's Honours list in recognition of his achievement.

Having spoken to a few of the competitors at Surbiton, I know that everyone benefited greatly from having Mark there. He offered his advice and opinion to individuals at the warm-up area, as well as giving a short speech about his time rowing. ‘It was extremely helpful being able to take advice from someone who has experienced both the highs and the lows of rowing’ said Becky Thompson, year 12. ‘It’s never going to be easy’ Mark went on to say, true as it may be, this was not exactly what I wanted to hear when about to get on the ergo for six minutes! Putting nerves aside, we all thought was inspirational to hear Mark speak about rowing with such passion and determination. He is currently in training for the London Olympics in 2012 and I know I can speak on behalf of all of Surbiton High and indeed all the Kingston Schools competitors when I say that I am very excited to see how he performs!

Having listened to a rather inspirational speech from Mark Hunter, Surbiton High girls were ready to get on the erg’s and get racing! Nerves riding high and adrenaline rushing through us, the year 7 team went down to complete their ergo. Racing through a rather impressive two minutes, both girls came away with first place setting the bar at a considerably high standard for the rest of the team! Nonetheless, the years 8 through to 13 teams all won their events, the time of the erg increasing by a minute each year group. This was a fantastic result for Surbiton and we were all very pleased to be able to get the opportunity to have a photo with Mark Hunter holding our trophy and medals. Equally as successful, the Richard Challinor boys team won the boys category overall. After a rather long and tiring afternoon we returned Surbiton looking a little bit worse for wear but with a medal round our necks and a smile on our faces nonetheless. Overall, I am really pleased we took part as a school and I look forward to the competition next year!