Rowers to wear black ribbon tribute

GB Rowing’s team currently competing at the BearingPoint Rowing World Cup in Lucerne, Switzerland, will wear black ribbons in tomorrow’s (Sunday’s) finals as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives in Thursday’s bomb attacks in London.

The decision was prompted by several rowers including Sarah Winckless and Steve Williams, both Athens Olympic medallists.

“Obviously we were already here in Lucerne on Thursday and we watched the terrible scenes in London on the television with disbelief.  It was in such stark contrast to the delight we all experienced on Wednesday when watching the Olympic 2012 decision on those same screens.  We felt it was right to carry on rowing here.  However, it is a huge thing which has happened to London and the UK and our hearts go out to all those who have been touched by this tragedy”, said Sarah Winckless in her role as Athletes’ Representative for the GB Rowing women’s squad.

"Out here we are representing our country and we wanted to pay our respects", said Williams. "Obviously our minds are on the job at hand but it doesn’t stop us thinking about those that who have suffered at home".

“We all feel strongly that this is an appropriate way in which we can express our sympathy, even though we are abroad, with the relatives of those who have lost their lives and show those who have been injured that we are thinking of them”, said GB Team Manager, David Tanner today.

For further information contact:  Caroline Searle in the GB Rowing Press Office in Lucerne on (0044) (0) 7831 755351.