Former Cranmore Pupil Sets New Solo Rowing Record

Youngest solo trans-oceanic rower (20) has been confirmed by the Ocean Rowing Society, the official adjudicator of ocean rowing records for Guinness World Records.

After a tough 58 days at sea, battling the elements on his own as he rowed 3,000 nautical miles, former pupil Callum Gathercole has become the youngest person to row across an ocean solo. The 20-year-old completed the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge – dubbed the ‘world’s toughest endurance race’ – in 58 days, 15 hours and 15 minutes. His achievement as the youngest solo trans-oceanic rower has been confirmed by the Ocean Rowing Society, the official adjudicator of ocean rowing records for Guinness World Records.

Callum overcame tropical storms, 40ft waves, sleep deprivation, seasickness and excruciating body sores to complete the tough challenge and raise £230,000 for Brain Tumour Research, Princess Alice Hospice and BRACE Alzheimer’s Research in memory of his father, Clive, who died in 2012.

He is a student of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bristol, having started his rowing career in the rowing club at Cranmore School, later rowing for Walton Rowing Club and then for Bristol University. He has rowed at Henley Royal Regatta, represented England at the Home International in 2011 and GB in European and World Internationals in 2012 and 2013.