Ben Pritchard Reflects On Record-Breaking Triumph As European Rowing Champion

Ben Pritchard has set his sights on the Los Angeles Paralympics in 2028 after returning home from Bulgaria as European champion.

The Welsh Paralympic champion rower - who won gold last year in Paris - cemented his name in the history books last weekend, delivering a sensational performance for Great Britain at the European Rowing Championships in Plovdiv to claim his first continental title — and in record-breaking style.

The Swansea powerhouse shattered the PR1 men’s single sculls world best time twice in the space of three days, underlining his dominance in the event and setting a clear marker for the season ahead.
 
After clocking 8:47.88 in the heats to secure his place in the final, Pritchard went even faster when it mattered most, storming home in 8:40.38 on Saturday to take gold — nearly seven seconds quicker than his earlier benchmark.
 
That remarkable display saw him outpace Ukraine’s Roman Polianskyi, the previous world-record holder, who finished second in 8:51.93. Italy’s Giacomo Perini completed the podium in third (8:55.96).
 
Reflecting on a week to remember, Pritchard said: “I’m the first ever British PR1 European Champion. Full stop. And getting a World Best Time twice in a week – it’s all pretty special to go down in the history books for that.”
 
But despite his blistering form, the 33-year-old was quick to stress there’s more to come as he eyes future targets.
 
“I also feel like there’s some room to go. I’m still early in my training and it’s early in the season, with 20 weeks to go until the World Championships,” he added.

“I’m really looking forward to building on the results here and to keep pushing the standard on to Shanghai and then towards the LA Paralympic Games.”

READ MORE: Ben Pritchard Puts The Dark Days Behind Him To Storm To Paralympic Gold
 
Pritchard’s triumph was followed by more Welsh success in Bulgaria when Bangor's Cedol Dafydd was part of the gold-medal winning British crew in the men's quadruple sculls (MX4).

The crew of Dafydd, Callum Dixon, Matt Haywood and Rory Harris dominated the race and achieved a European best Time of 05:35.02.

After his first big international race, Dafydd said: “When we came through under the bridge we knew we were picking up momentum, going quicker and quicker and across the line.

"It honestly was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. It was awesome. I couldn't be proud of all the four of us.” 

READ MORE: Ben Pritchard Plots Paralympic Glory After Taking First Gold Medal