Future Olympic rowing hopefuls Carter and Louis selected to row for GB against France

SUPER talented Isle of Wight rowing pair and future Olympic hopefuls, Carter Horrix and Louis Sheasby, have been selected to row for Team GB in France their age group — but they need financial support to compete there.

The teenagers, who row for Shanklin-Sandown Rowing Club, were selected to join the British team to face France in an international challenge in Rouen, on Saturday, July 13.

To earn their place on the J16 men's double team, Carter, 16, and Louis, 15, saw their dedication and hard work pay off by winning convincingly in the British Rowing GB Trials, held at the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham, on Sunday (June 30).

To compete in France is going to cost them £2,000. Carter's mum, Ursula Horrix, has set up a GoFundMe page to help the pair meet the cost of travel to France and accommodation there, transporting their boat and coaching fees.

(Image: Contributed)

Here's how you can help Olympic hopefuls Carter Horrix and Louis Sheasby compete for Team GB in France

To make a donation, follow their GoFundMe link here.

The pair have gelled magnificently since having their potential identified at the age of 12 — initially placed as a coastal double pairing.

Both have since progressed rapidly to coastal and river rowing disciplines. 

Over the past four years — well supported by Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club — the Islanders are heading in the right direction in meeting their ambition to be the best in the sport.

In a joint statement, Carter and Louis said: "We’re so excited to make it onto the GB Rowing Team! This is an incredible opportunity for us to represent our country,

"Not much notice to get organised! Thank you for any donation, support or sharing of our story is appreciated.”

Carter and Louis, who train six times per week — after school and during the evenings and weekends — have competed in countless regattas across the South Coast and numerous 'head' races up and down the country.

They often travel to the mainland to compete on the national stage, while trying to balance their passion for the sport alongside additional training commitments in preparation for trials and their GCSE exams this year.

The teenagers have representing their club at the South Coast Championships, the British Championships — winning gold in 2022 and bronze last year — and the Wessex region at the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta, where they scooped gold medals in the past three consecutive years.