The boathouse shutters have been closed for seven weeks, but the rowers at Monmouth School for Girls are continuing to thrive and flourish.

The rowers’ commitment to their remote training programme has been fantastic, highlighting their independence, resilience, and drive.

The girls are supporting each other through a training buddy system.

And the community of the club has been maintained during the lockdown through social media, with regular posts from parents, athletes, old girls, and coaches on its thriving Facebook page.

Weekly challenges set by the coaches are also keeping the girls’ spirits high.

Mrs Kate Callaghan set the first challenge – and saw the club collectively run 410 miles in aid of the NHS.

The club smashed its target of 300 miles in one week, with parents taking to the road alongside the girls.

Miss Briana Williams led the way in the second challenge in which cards represented a different exercise. An ex-GB oarswoman and Olympian even took part.

Robin Fletcher demonstrated his baking prowess and asked the club to follow his example in a Bake-Off competition which was hard fought and attracted a very high standard of entries.

Mr Harry Perry has swapped his coaching attire for dancing shoes and a microphone for a lip-sync challenge and is eagerly awaiting the girls’ entries via Tik-Tok.

This season has been very challenging; two major floods have affected Monmouth, events have been cancelled due to the bad weather and now all rowing events and group training have been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the girls have remained positive throughout with their excellent attitude towards training and community aspects, embodying the spirit of the club and the school.

Captain of Boats, Sasha, summed up the perspective of the club following severe flooding in February.

She said: “Sometimes we need challenges to prepare us mentally and physically to be our very best.”

The response from the whole club has been remarkable during these anxious times.

The girls are supporting each another, moving forward and accomplishing many goals with the support and encouragement from fellow athletes and club members.