A ROYAL Chester Rowing Club member has returned from her first international regatta with a silver medal to show for her efforts.
Emma Spruce was part of the women’s eight boat which won silver for Great Britain at the European Universities Rowing Championship in Moscow.
With the 19-year-old rowing in the six seat, the crew came desperately close to gold as they lost out to their German opponents by 0.05 seconds in a photo finish.
University of Reading student Spruce, who is from Higher Kinnerton, only joined Royals in 2009.
But her potential both as a sculler and a crew member were soon recognised and within a year, she was racing at the Henley Women’s Regatta in the Royals coxed four which broke the course record three times in an afternoon.
Spruce said: “Royals have ultimately given me the opportunity to take my rowing this far through the support of coaches, athletes and members.
“I have received a sports scholarship to study at Reading which grants me lots of additional support and the facilities for athletes are great, but I still love to train at Royals when I’m home.”
