A LLANDYSUL school pupil led the way for Ceredigion as the county won nine medals at the Welsh Indoor Rowing Championships.

Beri Tomkins, from Ysgol Bro Teifi, struck double gold at the 20th anniversary of the event held at the Channel View Leisure Centre in Cardiff.

On the opening day, 14 children from Aberaeron Comprehensive School and Ysgol Bro Teifi took part in the school event. Some had competed last year, while others were rowing in the competition for the first time.

The standard was exceptionally high, with schools from both Wales and England, with nine records being broken in the 20 races that were held on the day.

Beri won a gold medal on her way to a national record as 10 of the children also achieved their own personal best times.

On the Saturday, the club races were held where two junior medals and four senior medals were won. Beri again won a gold medal with a new personal best of 543 metres rowed in two minutes. Beri now holds four records – year 6 school and Welsh record; and year 7 school and Welsh record.

In the adult event, Leo O’Connor won a bronze medal for 60+years 500m; Hannah Lodder won two gold medals for ladies’ 40+ years 500m and ladies’ 40+years 2km; and Sam Owen won silver medal for ladies 40+years 2km.

There are weekly indoor rowing sessions held at Ysgol Bro Teifi. These sessions are supported by CRIW which is the indoor rowing group within Ceredigion and aims to grow indoor rowing and to promote the local sea rowing clubs.

Rhidian Harries, active young people officer, said: “The young rowers from Ceredigion have done fantastically well at this national competition. The event was very well organised, and many English schools that are recognised as rowing schools attended.

“However, the children from Ceredigion showed that they could compete against anyone. It’s a great credit for them and also for CRIW, who have been working tirelessly to grow the sport in the area. Their support and enthusiasm has been crucial, and they should take great pleasure in the success and the performances of these young rowers.”

CRIW will be running its own indoor rowing competition at Teifi Leisure Centre, Cardigan on Saturday, March 28, 2020.