Lightweights deliver Silver for Rowing

Three  virtuoso performances from Team GB’s lightweight crews had the brilliant supporters  at Eton Dorney  back on their feet today.  The support of the crowd has been amazing and the GB rowers are really responding to the wall of cheering that hits them with 750m to go.  Keep it up everyone!

GB’s lightweight four – so close to Gold – delivered a thrilling race on the sixth day of competition. The performance of this crew and the men’s and women’s doubles earlier this morning was a reminder for everyone who’s been inspired by the Olympic regatta – if you’d like to have a go – size really doesn’t matter!

Nottingham University supporters were down at the lake today to cheer on their former club rower Chris Bartley.  Sarah King who rowed in the same university club said; “The racing has been amazing – everyone cheering and tears too – so emotional.  I haven’t rowed for a bit but the whole atmosphere today has tempted me to find a club and get back in a boat!”

If you’re a student and feeling inspired have a look at www.britishrowing.org/olympics to find out more about how to have a go yourself.  And if you’re thinking about getting back into the sport there are lots of ideas on how to fit rowing into your lifestyle if you go to www.explorerowing.org

Fiona Rennie, Chairman of the Sports Management Group for BUCS Rowing, said today:  “As I bike through London, as I watch the TV, as I read my texts and emails – there is just a huge Olympic buzz after the first GB gold medal at Eton, Dorney.

“The coverage for rowing has been just fantastic and I hope it will do as the slogan says and really inspire a generation.  University rowing will be at the heart of that inspiration – giving many, many young people the chance to experience rowing for the first time, to enjoy the sport, to make new friends, to learn a whole new set of skills and discipline, team working etc. which will go with them through life.

For those at University who have ambitions to match the success of those we have watched so excitedly this week – there are systems set up and to help ensure that they are identified, supported and fed through into national and international pathways.

There is a buzz in rowing and University Rowing is at the heart of rowing …come and get involved!”