His recent performances at trials for both Team GB and Team Wales prove incredible accomplishments for Hayden, who has only been rowing for 18 months. Hayden was placed 55 out of 210 for the Team GB trials and a fantastic 2nd place in the Welsh time trials.
John Richardson, Sport Lecturer at NCD said “What a fantastic achievement for Hayden to reach the U19 GB rowing trials, NCD are proud to support him, and we hope to one day be supporting him at the Olympics.”
In the past year, Hayden has won numerous local races, but the evidence of his hard work is most obvious at national events including a silver medal finish in a double at Strathclyde in April of 2024, reaching the J18 "A" final, and coming 6th at the British Rowing Junior Championships in July this year.
Hayden began his journey at New College Durham, studying Foundation and Vocational Studies at Entry Level 3 (E3). Beginning this course proved to be pivotal as he began to build essential skills and confidence.
During the course, his confidence and natural desire to achieve something came to the fore, and through his hard work and determination, he exceeded expectations both socially and academically.
Hayden had always wanted to go to university to study sport and become an instructor or tutor but initially, due to issues related to his Autism, didn’t believe it was achievable. Initially struggling with literacy and maths, Hayden made best use of the support available to him and progressed well.
His ability and determination not only resulted in him successfully completing the initial course, but it also enabled him to by-pass Level 1 and be accepted onto Level 2 in Sport. This transition involved not only improving his knowledge of sports but also developing practical skills and teamwork. His success highlights how commitment and support in foundational education can lead to significant achievements and open new opportunities.
Hayden has also applied the same dedication and determination to his chosen sport, rowing. He first tried rowing in January 2023 after hitting a dark patch in his life and very quickly fell in love with the sport, progressing so quickly that he became the fastest improving junior at the club.
Within 5 months of starting to train he was selected for GB/France trials and ever since has committed himself to the challenging work required for rowing excellence.
Despite the competitiveness, Hayden maintains that rowing gives him joy, peace, stress relief, challenge, and direction in equal measures. After each session he always views it as a step forward, but key to this is always giving his best.
Thanks to support received during E3 Hayden is now confident and self-assured enough to accept constructive criticism, and use it to his advantage, something he admits he wouldn’t have been able to cope with not so long ago.