Team Atlantic Fusion
Team Atlantic Fusion will attempt to be the first 5-person mixed-gender crew to row 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, in the World’s Toughest Row and become world record holders!
Why ‘Fusion’? The team is made up of members of two rowing clubs, two genders, two nationalities from two generations rowing between two continents.
Annika Israelsson
“Hi! I’m Annika, a Swedish American Actuary living in London who has been rowing since the age of 13. Having rowed at clubs in Arizona, Sweden and London, I’ve seen my share of rivers, lakes and harbours. Now, I am so excited to add Atlantic rower to my list. I race in a double with Molly who will also be rowing the Atlantic with me. She introduced me to the challenge at our boathouse Christmas party and it has been all I can think about ever since. I am so excited to be a part of this team”.
Bel Noyes
“Hi, I’m Bel, a 52 year old mother of 2 living and working in Poole, Dorset. Growing up, my dad would take my brother and I rowing with him on the River Thames, I loved it, and everything water based since. For the past 8 years I have rowed, coxed and raced in Cornish pilot gigs for Poole Gig Rowing Club. I competed in my 2nd World championships in the Isles of Scilly, in 2022, and also had the privilege of being accepted into the Cornish Barbarian Gig Club to join their marathon charity row.
To row the Atlantic and be part of Team Atlantic Fusion is such a fantastic opportunity, it is the ultimate challenge, and I just love a challenge!”
Dave Fassam
“I am a 51-year-old national safety investigator for the NHS, based in Poole in Dorset. Before working in healthcare, I was in the Army for 24 years, working first as an aircraft engineer and then an air accident investigator. I have always aimed to push myself forward in all I do. In 2016, I started Pilot Gig Rowing and never looked back – I was Men’s Captain and our Club celebrated being top 50 in the world at the recent Gig Championships in the Isles of Scilly.
The World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic is another level of physical and mental challenge for me and I feel privileged to be part of this team. Being out on the water is my happy place – and if you don’t find me there then it will be because I am watching any/every sport I can, finding a great new coffee blend or out and about with my camera!”
Molly Hemeter
“I am a 26-year-old Customer Success Manager in London. I’ve been a competitive river rower for nearly 7 years, looking to take on the challenge of a lifetime after being inspired by my friend Georgie who completed the race in 2020. I wanted to take part in something that gave me space to only have thoughts of really living in the moment and thinking of only rowing, sleeping, and eating!”
Steven Haywood
Hi I’m Steven and the skipper of Team Atlantic Fusion. I’m a 52 year old British Military Veteran from Wiltshire and am now retired from the security forces after 36 years of service. I have done long endurance events before like swimming the English Channel and becoming only the 4th person in history to complete a solo triathlon between London and Paris. Additionally, I have represented my country at Athletics, Cross Country and Triathlon. The World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic 2024 will be my most amazing event yet and it is so exciting to have joined four other awesome rowers for this life changing challenge.”