A pair of Bedford School rowers have won international gold medals on the water for Team GB at the Coupe de la Jeunesse in Lucerne, Switzerland across the weekend of 24-26 July.
Ewan Fawcett and Oliver Payne, who are upper sixth formers, raced together in the Men’s Pair (JM2-) competition at the prestigious international regatta, competing against fellow Under-19 athletes from across Europe.
Running annually since 1985, the Coupe de la Jeunesse is a competition organised by World Rowing which brings together Under-19 athletes from 16 European nations.
And the pressure was on on the waters of Rotsee Lake, known as “The Lake of the Gods”, considering 2025’s cohort of Team GB rowers saw 45 of the 46-strong squad return from Austria with medals.
Come the 2026 edition in Switzerland, both Ewan and Oliver made sure they continued the winning streak with two more golds, contributing to Team GB’s triumph as they brought home the Men’s and Women’s overall trophies in Lucerne.
The culmination of an excellent season
“Winning on the first day brought excitement, but also a critical assessment of what we could have done better”, said Oliver, reflecting on what ended up as a perfect weekend.
“That learning mindset is what led to our success. On the second day, we put everything we had learned throughout the season into one race.
“Crossing the line, I felt overwhelming pride and couldn’t have hoped for a better end to my Bedford School rowing career than winning for GB in an all-Bedford crew.”
The international success caps a landmark year for Bedford School Boat Club, during which the First VIII recorded the fastest 2,000m time in the school’s history.
Bedford School boys, Stanley and Ben were also part of a gold rush, representing England at the Home International Regatta, helping the Men’s Eight secure an Under-23 title on the same weekend.
Oliver and Ewan, with their coach, Mr Rudkin. Image: jeanmiphotographies
A potential Olympic pathway
And the pair’s coach, Bedford School’s First VIII Coach, Tobias Rudkin was highly complimentary of the pair, as well as the school’s wider rowing contingent.
“The opportunity for a Bedford School crew and coach to race in GB colours at an international regatta does not come around often”, said Mr Rudkin.
“I am immensely proud of the work that these two young men have put in to achieve these high-quality international performances and come away with double gold at Coupe de la Jeunesse.
“It is notable that a Bedford School pair, a domestic schoolboy crew, went to race on an international stage beating the likes of Germany, Spain and Italy’s selected best crews.
“This shows the level at which the young men at Bedford operate and is a real testament to them, the coaching staff and the programme that has been built over many years.”
The wider Team GB success included pairs of gold medals for seven of the crews, with many of the names taking part potentially exploring a career in the professional ranks in years to come.
“The Coupe de la Jeunesse is a key step on the Olympic pathway, giving athletes invaluable international experience that will help them as they continue their rowing careers”, added Under-19 Programme Manager, Dan Cooper.
“With many athletes returning to the U19 programme next year and others moving into senior rowing, I’m excited to see where this experience takes them next.”