Stratford upon Avon Boat Club stopped their training for much of the morning on Thursday and unusually sat down to watch television. Over eighty members and athletes crowded into the Club Room to see Esme Booth
race in the GB women’s coxless four at the Olympics
Watching with Boat Club members were over twenty young athletes from the age of thirteen to eighteen who were on Stratford 
Boat Club’s Junior Summer Camp learning the skills of sculling and watercraft. Commenting Steve Wellstead, Junior Co-ordinator and organiser of the August weekday camps said, “For the youngsters to see
rowing at this high level with one of our own was inspirational and will live on in their minds for a very long time and will be a constant encouragement to engage in sport whether for competition, recreation or physical and mental fitness: their participation in 
the Junior Summer Camp is their first step the enjoyment of sport!”
Speaking further, Amanda Bowden, Masters’ Vice Captain said, “For young people to see a women achieve at such a high level and win a silver Olympic
medal is an example to us all that women and girls through hard work and determination 
can reach excellence: over fifty percent of Stratford Boat Club are female and Esme’s prowess is a beacon to us all!”
Summing up, Paul Stanton, Stratford Boat Club’s President commented, “We are
so proud of Esme and the GB crew and the honour and kudos she has brought to the Club, the schools she has attended and to Stratford in general. Well done Esme, your achievement is amazing!”
For media coverage, see Stratford Herald pages twenty four and twenty five and Stratford Observer page five https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2024/08/09&pages=24