Seasonal honour for Olympian Olivia

Dec 17 2009 Chester Chronicle

Seasonal honour for Olympian Olivia

THE naming of a boat in honour of Great Britain Olympian Olivia Whitlam was the highlight of The King’s School’s annual Pudding Races on the River Dee on Saturday.

Whitlam, the King’s scholar who reached the final of the women’s pair at last year’s Beijing Olympic Games, is the latest beneficiary of a tradition which sees the school’s rowing club name boats after notable former pupils.

The 24-year-old, a former World Under 23s champion, was represented by her mum Tricia on Saturday.

Whitlam’s double scull boat has been built by King’s boatman John Blackwell.

The historic Pudding Races followed the naming ceremony.

The races, which originate from the 1950s, involved all King’s junior rowers taking part in a scratch eights event, with the winners being presented with puddings from the Lord Mayor of Chester John Ebo.