This week we welcomed Laura Barrigan, a member of a team of 4 rowers who broke the World Record for the fastest mixed fours rowing across the Atlantic Ocean earlier this year.
The team, comprising of two male and two female soldiers, managed to sail from the Canary Isles to Antigua, which is over 3000 miles in 40 days, 23 hours and 57 minutes, beating the previous record by over 24 hours!
Laura explained to the Year 10 students about the highs – rowing with an escort of dolphins for over 5 hours, and the lows – feeling totally exhausted from an average 3 hours’ sleep every 24 hours. Laura is a PT for the British Army, and she endured a gruelling training campaign which took her up to Scotland and down to Thorney Island, as well as endless hours on an indoor rowing machine. She described the rather cramped living conditions, the fabulous teamwork, and the friends she has made for life. She also explained that to her achieve her goal, she made her plan, worked with her team and prepared herself for the event. Wise words for anyone considering taking on a such a mammoth challenge.
Careers Co-ordinator Karen Heath said, “The students found the experience mesmerising and it has set a few of them thinking what they could do to further their Game Changing ambitions.”
