CHAMPION: Jenny Laud, Specialist Public Health Practitioner
Jenny Laud, a Specialist Public Health Practitioner at Nottinghamshire Healthcare, has made an impressive debut at the World Rafting Championships in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Jenny, who serves in the Healthy Family Team in Gedling, is a member of the Nott Ladylike Masters Women’s Raft Racing Team, comprising local sportswomen from across the UK.
Competing in the Masters Women’s category for the first time, the team secured silver medals in the sprint, head-to-head and endurance races, and clinched gold in the slalom race. Their outstanding performance earned them an overall silver medal, placing them as the second-best team in the world for their age category.
Held in May 2024, the World Rafting Championships saw Nott Ladylike excel against seasoned competitors from around the globe. Reflecting on the team’s journey, Captain Jenny Laud said: “We entered the competition with low expectations, and others underestimated us as well.
“Of the two GB Masters Women’s teams, we are the newer and less experienced. The first team has 30 years of rafting experience and numerous world and European championship entries under their belts, so we were surprised and proud of ourselves to not be too far behind them in the sprint and head-to-head races, but we were amazed to take gold from them in the slalom.”
Jenny also highlighted the team’s broader mission: “Our hope is to inspire more women to embrace the thrilling sport of whitewater raft racing. It’s a fantastic way to challenge yourself, build camaraderie and enjoy the great outdoors.”
Nott Ladylike was formed just last year, bringing together women rafters from different regions. Spearheaded by Jenny, inspired by her positive experience with the Nottingham rafting team in Romania, the team members have shown dedication through rigorous individual and group training sessions.
Jenny, who has been rafting for only three years, was introduced to the sport by her husband Jon, who gifted her an introduction to rafting for Christmas. Despite initial challenges, including overcoming a fear of the gym and improving her swimming skills, Jenny has excelled in white-water rafting.
Following their recent success, the team is enjoying a well-deserved break before resuming training for the Team GB selections in September. To follow the team’s journey and receive updates, visit the Nott Ladylike Rafters page on Facebook.