My Mum did tell me off for not singing the anthem but I am sure she was singing for the both of us!

The last time I was a champion of any sort was 8 years ago in Racice, Czech Republic when I became Under 23 World Champion in the women’s eight. This weekend was the first time I had been back to the lake since. It brought back really great memories. I sent photos to some of the girls from the eight of the podium and the finish line where we made history of becoming the first GB women’s eight to win a Gold medal at a World Championships.

I can safely say I now love Racice! Coming away from the lake this weekend as European Champion in the single scull really was a special moment for me. I have taken many more strokes since 2009 but it has taken until now to hear the national anthem played again as I stood in the centre of the podium. My Mum did tell me off for not singing the anthem but I am sure she was singing for the both of us!

The race as whole I was reasonably happy with but of course there is still a lot more work to be done. Europeans for the British team is stepping stone to the World Championships, albeit a big one! A lot of European nations have their funding based on European success so the racing is always really tough. I was up against some great athletes with a lot of sculling pedigree. A mention has to go to the legend that is Ekaterina Karsten who will be 45 in a week’s time! She has competed at 7 Olympic Games and is double Olympic Champion in the single scull from 1996 and 2000.

On Monday I enjoyed day off with Rick and then it was back to training on Tuesday. My coach Paul Reedy and I debriefed the race and made a plan for the next three weeks leading to World Cup II in Poznan. Better never stops and all that!

Thanks to Naomi Baker for the great photos.