World Masters 2026 Day 1
Thunderstorms, 5:30 AM Workouts, and a Dash of Gold: Day 1 at Lake Bled
If you’ve ever wondered what pure dedication—mixed with a healthy dose of madness—looks like, picture this: it’s 5:30 AM on the tranquil shores of Lake Bled, and the Monmouth Rowing Club crew is already sweating it out in the venue gym.
With lightning forecast to play havoc with the schedule for most of the day, race officials decided to pull everything forward. While the local swans were still sound asleep, our first tranche of rowers was getting an early-bird workout that absolutely no one had on their holiday itinerary.
Fortunately, the weather gods proved to be mostly dramatic teasers. Despite the ominous forecast, we only had one short lightning delay, followed by a classic atmospheric cocktail of alternating downpours and blazing sunshine. Standard regatta weather, really—if you aren't soaked by the lake, you're soaked by the rain or sweat.
When racing got underway, the Monmouth squad meant business. With an eye on the overall club championship, we put on a massive showing, fielding nearly 16 crews across the day. Several heroic souls even logged up to four races.
Then came the true highlight of Day 1.
A massive congratulations to Liz L and Sue S, who delivered a absolute masterclass in the Women's E pair. They stormed ahead to win their eight-lane final comfortably—and in doing so, created a piece of club history! This marks the very first time the Monmouth women's squad has taken gold at a World Masters Regatta. A magnificent, historic achievement that set the bar high for the rest of the team.
Of course, as any seasoned commuter knows, medals are a bit like buses: you wait ages for one, and then two come along almost at once.
Later in the afternoon, Monmouth struck gold again! Tim M and Mark W put on a brilliant display in the E 2x, pulling away from the field to claim our second victory of the day.
There must be a secret magic ingredient in the air—or perhaps in the boat house. Both gold medals were won in our brand-new double, which has been suitably named Mark Woods (or Woodzy, as it’s already affectionately known). Woodzy is currently boasting a 100% gold-medal track record, and we might just have to guard it overnight.
As we rest our aching muscles tonight, we’re looking ahead to Day 2. The forecast is threatening heavy, non-stop rain for most of the day, but if Day 1 proved anything, it’s that this squad is built for all conditions.
Think of us tomorrow as we brave the deluge—let’s hope the rain does nothing to dampen our gold rush! 🚣♂️🥇🥇
And don't forget to follow all the races on YouTube
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