Early Rowing Career
Chambers continued to be coached by Clasper, who was a very astute rowing coach, and his rowing improved immensely. In the Thames Regatta of 1856, Clasper and Chambers formed a crew with two Thames watermen and won the fours race. The following year, in the sculling competition, Chambers won the championship, beating the best of the Thames scullers. The Thames watermen were sensitive about outsiders winning races on their river. They therefore looked for a local sculler who could restore local pride by beating the Tyneside man. Tom White of Bermondsey was chosen. A race between the two men took place on the Tyne on 19 April 1859 from the High Level Bridge to the Scotswood Suspension Bridge for a stake of £200 a-side.
Chambers won the race in amazing fashion. After 400 yards he collided with a moored boat and found himself 100 yards behind White, a seemingly impossible deficit to make up. However, he refused to give up and by the finish he had turned a 100 yards deficit into a 60 yards lead. His perseverance in this and other races earned him the nickname “Honest Bob”, showing how people admired a competitor who gave a brave, whole-hearted performance.
Read more about this topic: Robert Chambers (oarsman)
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