06 July 2026
Henley Royal Regatta witnessed history over the weekend as Reading University Boat Club won gold medals at the world-famous event for the first time since 1986.
Students representing Reading won two of the three new women’s sculling events. Meg Knight won in the inaugural Princess of Wales Challenge Cup for Intermediate Women's Quadruple Sculls, while Shannon Whelehan secured first place in the inaugural Queen Victoria Challenge Cup for Student Women's Quadruple Sculls. Meg and Shannon first raced together at Henley five years ago as junior teammates, before their paths diverged when Meg moved to study and row in the United States and Shannon joined Reading.
A third victory was secured in a composite crew with Leander Club containing current student Finnola Stratton. The crew and will race at the World Championships later this summer.
Will Rand, Director of Rowing at Reading University Boat Club, said: "Meg, Shannon and Finnola have shown what's possible for young female scullers coming through the sport. They should be incredibly proud of themselves.
"We've waited 40 years for our first Henley medals, so to win three in one weekend is a brilliant achievement for the club.
"Focusing solely on sculling was a big decision, and this weekend is exactly why we made it. It caps off what's already been our best year yet."
Success at Henley Royal Regatta marks what has been a hugely successful year for Reading University Boat Club.
In May, Reading University Boat Club came first at the British Universities and Colleges Sport Regatta, after securing 30 medals. Of those 30 medals, fifteen were gold, seven were silver, and eight were bronze.
Notes to editors:
Will Rand is available for interview. Contact the University of Reading Press Office on 0118 378 5757 or pressoffice@reading.ac.uk to arrange.
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