The 2024 Paris Olympic Games will mark the 100th anniversary of a remarkable and poignant moment in the club's history. In 1924, Weybridge Rowing Club, then a working-class establishment, made history by sending a crew to compete in the Olympic trials, eventually representing Great Britain at the Paris Olympics.
The crew comprised C. Joe Barnsley, S. Vince Bovington, 3. Harry Monk, 2. Jack Townend and B. Bernard Croucher. Despite the classist establishment frustrating them at every turn, they became the first amateur working class crew to be selected to represent Great Britain.
After allegedly having their water bottles spiked and their boat sabotaged while at the Olympics, they raced against the French, losing by a narrow margin (the French went on to win the silver medal), and later faced the Swiss in the repechage round (the Swiss eventually won gold).
Upon their return, the Weybridge crew continued to face discrimination due to their working-class origins. They were denied access to prestigious events like the Henley Royal Regatta and were not welcomed into the Leander Club, despite the tradition of inviting Olympic crews to join (The first time Weybridge was allowed to compete at Henley was in 1946!). This was due to the National Amateur Rowing Association (NARA), to which they belonged, not being recognized by the upper-class Amateur Rowing Association (ARA).
Over the past century, much has changed. Today, people are recognised for their ability and the content of their character rather than their social class. Weybridge Rowing Club has continued its tradition of excellence, producing numerous rowers who have gone on to represent Great Britain at the Olympics. This 2024 Paris Olympic games we say best of luck to Weybridge alumni @williamistewart.
As Weybridge celebrates this centenary milestone, it remains dedicated to its mission of making rowing accessible to all and encouraging future Olympic champions. The legacy of the 1924 crew serves as an enduring inspiration, embodying the spirit of perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence against all odds.
You can read the full story, written by John Croucher (son of Bernard Croucher - Bow seat of the Weybridge Olympic crew), on our website here:
The pictures in order are:
WRC Olympic picture
Medal front
Medal back
Signed Certificate
Bernard Croucher's crew vest and cap
Bernard Croucher's Blazer badge
@teamgb @gb_rowing_team @matthewttarrant @britishrowing
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