The big day. Callum raced in the A final of lightweight mens single sculls. One of only two U23 scullers to make it into the A final. He was drawn in lane 6. As an indication of the quality of the field over in lane one on the opposite side of the course was Pete Chambers holder of an Olympic silver medal in lightweight coxless fours.
The weather was perfect, very warm with a slight headwind but fair across all lanes. The aim was to execute a good race profile, not too front loaded as happened in the semi final, which led to a fade over the last 500m. This time Callum got it right, going through 500m in 1.50.8 and in the pack. The middle thousand went ok but the other more experienced scullers were striking a slightly higher rate which allowed them to start to edge away. Callum was never dropped off the pack though and held on really well. The second objective was to try to jack the rate in the last 500m. A rate of 40 was the internal target set. He managed to get to 37.5 and in doing so nearly caught Pete Chambers on the line finishing just 0.8 seconds down on the Olympian. As in any good race profile the last 500m was the second fastest after the first 500m. Job done, target hit.
The commentary described him as 'exciting young talent' and he certainly made a fantastic impact for himself and the club over the three days of racing. The winner of the lightweight singles described Callum as a 'sprinter' with real speed. Wade hall-crags came up to him afterwards, shook his hand and called Callums performance 'sensational!'
And it certainly was!
As a result of his performance in the trials Callum was invited for further trials and testing in a double scull. The selectors are looking to put a double together for the U23 world championships which take place at the end of July in Sarasota, USA.
Watch this space ...