Young rower wins Harvard honour

A budding Sir Steve Redgrave from Shropshire has become one of the youngest rowers to claim a place on one of the world's top crews.

Former Shrewsbury School pupil Patrick Lapage, who is in his second year at Harvard University in Massachusetts, America, has been selected to take the stroke seat on the Harvard Heavyweights team.

The 19-year-old excelled in rowing at Shrewsbury under the tuition of Todd Jesdale and Nick Henderson, and was part of the crew that won the ultimate Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup at Henley in 2007.

Lapage also skippered his crew to many successes in his final year - and his father Philip, who has taught at Shrewsbury School for 28 years, is immensely proud of his son's achievement.

"While it is not unknown to find second year students in the top boat, it is, I think, quite rare to have one in the stroke seat for the entire season," said his dad.

Demanding

"He is almost certainly the youngest ever to have this position."

The youngster is currently coached by former Olympic rowing star Harry Parker, and recently won the Ivy League title, which means that Lapage will be returning to Henley this summer with them.

Speaking from America, Patrick likened the community spirit he is now experiencing to that he felt at Shrewsbury School.

"It's a lot more demanding, of course, there are often two sessions a day," he said.

"And the work through the winter when the river was frozen over was pretty tough.

"But it's the same as anything really, if you're committed and put the hours in the results start to show."

By NICK HUMPHREYS