Local rowing hit more new highs at the weekend as Holly Nixon won a bronze medal at the World U23 Rowing Championships where Henry Millar and Lloyd Seaman also gained international recognition and produced top class performances at these prestigious championships in Bulgaria.

It was indeed a particularly successful event in Plovdiv for 21-year-old Holly Nixon who raced for Great Britain in the Women’s eight and was delighted to return with a bronze medal. Emerging with the top honour were the United States who are legendary in the women’s eight, having achieved success at senior level over the past ten years. However during the race it was Russia who moved out in front initially, with the United States following in close pursuit. Meanwhile Germany and Belarus seemed unable to hold the pace. Great Britain and the Netherlands jostled for third and fourth throughout an exciting first half, with Great Britain securing its bronze medal in the second half, Russia taking the silver medal and United States in first place.

Holly adds the bronze to the World Junior silver medal she won in 2011.

After a year troubled by injury, Holly was delighted to come away with a bronze medal from the championships.

“Yes, I think looking back we are happy to have medalled,” explained Holly.

She added: “You always go to these championships with the intentions of winning but the Americans have now won for nine championships in a row and the Russians were a very strong crew, so as a crew we have to be happy with what we got from the championships.” Holly will now step up to GB senior level rowing and she admits the move from U23 is a big one.

“I will take a bit of a break now and then there is a pre-season camp for senior rowers. It is a fairly big step up and it is very competitive but you do know that if you can get into boats then you have medal chances. It will just be a case of working away, hopefully staying fit and see what happens,” concludes the the Enniskillen girl who certainly has time on her side as she tries to forge her way in the senior set-up.

Holly was delighted to also see former Portora Boat Club members Henry Millar and Lloyd Seaman competing at this level also.

Indeed, just 30 minutes after Holly medalled it was the turn of Henry Millar competing for Great Britain in the Men’s eight. Having successfully come through the Heats, Millar’s crew took their place in the world final against opposition from Germany, USA, Russia, Romania and France. In this blue riband event of rowing, Millar’s crew finished in fifth place out of eleven crews.

Meanwhile Lloyd Seaman competed for Ireland in the men’s lightweight four. Like Millar, this was Seaman’s first taste of rowing on a world stage. Lloyd’s crew finished in ninth place overall.

Holly, Henry and Lloyd all came through the junior ranks at Portora Boat Club, Enniskillen. Their many dedicated hours of training spent on the River Erne helped contribute to their recent achievements at world level.