Lucy Pocock - Stillwell
Lucy Pocock - Stillwell
A pioneer in woman's rowing, paving the way for generations of young ladies to follow. Having to row fully corseted to a 1906 Mixed Double Scull Championship with H. N. “Blackie” Wakefield. Lucy Pocock proved that ladies were not too delicate for sport and even influenced rowing fashion. Her 1912 victory as the first Ladies Champion Sculler was accomplished sans corset in her new “Middie” rowing costume.
Having successfully defended her Championship in a rematch, Lucy left England to join her brothers Dick and George Pocock in Vancouver BC. Then the family travelled on to Seattle. She became the first coach of the University of Washington's woman’s rowing team under whom racing was allowed. The existence of woman’s competitive rowing was frowned upon by the concerned gentlemen in the University's administration. Lucy fought vigorously for the continuation of the program.
Today Lucy is looked upon as the Patron Saint of Woman’s Rowing. Modern women still feel they have much in common with Lucy. At the age of 13, Lucy took over the running of the household and raising of her siblings Dick, George, and later Kath when their mothers perished. She kept the family together, kept house, earned butter & egg money, and found moments to escape out on the river for peace on the Thames.
First Winner of the Woman’s Thamesside Waterman's Challenge Championship 1912