Assembling a top women’s squad has not been easy with Scullers being within close proximity to two High-Performance centres – University of London and Molesey. “We do have a lot of advantages and I like to think we can offer something a little different. As we are so focussed on sculling we can offer a higher standard than maybe some of the other options. That’s definitely been reflected in the trials results”. Clark thinks that the key to this success is in part down to the club’s emphasis on personal development in the single scull. “It’s important that our athletes don’t get lost in a crew boat. We encourage people to develop their skills in the single and bring that all together in a crew boat. We have a lot of fun in the process and I guess that also part of the reason we are growing”.

Tideway Scullers School has a rich history of successful women’s rowing producing 14 Olympians since 1980 and many internationals at junior, U23 and senior level. The club won the Women’s Eights Head in 1995 and its athletes have subsequently featured in many composite winning crews. TSS made the final of the inaugural Remenham Challenge Cup (open women’s eights) at Henley Royal Regatta in 2002 and last year a TSS/Leander Club composite quad won the inaugural British Rowing Offshore Championships. “The club has been really supportive of my work and the rise in women’s sculling has been part of a strong few years for the club. All the squads work off each other quite well – each squad wants their squad to be the best so as soon as one squad steps then the rest of them have to step up”. Clark, who began rowing at Yarm School was later coached by James Harris at Tees Rowing Club. Harris coached the W8+ in Rio and is now with the GB Senior Team, and Clark says that he learned a lot of what he knows from their time together. Most recently Clark was working with former school friend Phil Gray, head coach at ULBC. Clark had previously rowed for UL’s Tyrian Club winning the Wyfold Cup and making the semi-finals of the Prince of Wales at Henley Royal Regatta. Christopher George, who coached Clark through his Tyrian days continues to mentor him today.