Old Viking William Satch, who left Shiplake College in 2007, has won a gold medal at the 2015 World Rowing Championships on Lake Aiguebelette, in France. Will, having been in training since winning a bronze medal at the Olympics in London in 2012, headed to France to represent Great Britain as part of the Men’s Eight. He rowed alongside 2014 World Championships four winners Moe Sbihi, Alex Gregory, George Nash, as well as Matt Gotrel, Pete Reed, Paul Bennett, Constantine Louloudis and cox Phelan Hill.
The British crew found themselves facing Germany, in the race which was to be the closing one for the regatta. The race was intense and the British crew fought with passion and ardour throughout it, giving it their all. The victory this year makes it the third consecutive year that Britain’s men’s eight have won the title. As well as being the 15th medal won at the 2015 World Championships, the victory in France ensures Will’s place in the Olympics next year. After rigorous training for the race, Will returns to the UK with the rest of the men’s eight crew to begin training for the next Olympics. Although overjoyed with the gold medal in France, he has his sights firmly set on Rio next year and hopes to give a repeat performance.
