Coach of the Year

Chris with his Coach of the Year trophy

RUBC’s Chris Bartley, who was presented with the Dan Topolski Development Coach of the Year trophy at the recent British Rowing High Performance Seminar. Not only recognised for his work at Reading, Chris was commended for his work with the U23 Women’s quadruple sculls of Olivia Cheesmur, Poppy Baker, Finn Stratton and Ellie Cooke who won U23 World Championship gold by clear water, almost 3 seconds ahead of crews from Germany and Poland.

Chris said: “I was so surprised to be presented with the award, but very grateful our programme has been recognised in this way. RUBC is a special place to coach, and it’s the club’s support and flexibility that has allowed me to work with amazing athletes in the development pathway, an area of the sport that I really enjoy. Also helping Liv, Poppy, Finn and Ellie achieve something I know they’d all dreamed about was really special, and I’m excited to see what they all do next!’”